Can Belocal require a Belocal franchisee to provide control over or access to any online presences related to the franchised business?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You cannot establish, maintain, operate, or participate in any Online Presence relating to the Franchised Business (other than our Online Presence) without our prior written approval, which we can revoke any time an Online Presence fails to continue to meet our standards. We have the right to own all Online Presences related to the Franchised Business and the Marks. We have the right to require you to provide us with control over or access to any such Online Presences at any time, and to prohibit your use or access to such Online Presences upon your default under or any termination of the Franchise Agreement. You must transfer to us any Online Presence (including accounts, credentials, and login information) at any time we require during the term or following the termination of the Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD pages 48–49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Belocal maintains significant control over the franchisee's online presence related to the franchised business. A franchisee cannot establish, maintain, operate, or participate in any online presence related to the Belocal franchise without Belocal's prior written approval. This approval can be revoked if the online presence fails to meet Belocal's standards.
Belocal retains the right to own all online presences related to the franchised business and its trademarks. This means that Belocal can require a franchisee to provide control over or access to any such online presences at any time. Furthermore, Belocal can prohibit a franchisee's use or access to these online presences if the franchisee defaults under or terminates the Franchise Agreement.
Upon termination of the Franchise Agreement, or even during the term, Belocal can require the franchisee to transfer any online presence, including accounts, credentials, and login information, to them. This level of control is not uncommon in franchising, as franchisors often want to ensure brand consistency and protect their trademarks across all online platforms. This requirement ensures that Belocal can maintain its brand image and customer experience across all digital channels, even after a franchise relationship ends.