Does Belocal have the right to control and discontinue any online presence it develops?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may maintain a website in order to promote the Marks, the publications, or any or all of the Franchised Businesses. We may also develop and maintain any other type of online, internet, virtual, or digital presence (each an "Online Presence") as we see fit. We have the right to control these Online Presences and use or discontinue any of them in our discretion. An Online Presence includes but is not limited to (1) the website, other webpages, URLs, or domain names; (2) accounts, pages, handles, or profiles on social media sites; social networking sites; news sites and groups; online, internet, or digital directories; video, photography, audio, podcast, and messaging services; blogs; or forums; (3) e-commerce sites or accounts; (4) digital or online advertising and marketing content and services; (5) mobile applications; (6) virtual reality platforms; or (7) any identifiers of an Online Presence; (8) business profile pages accessible online; or (9) a presence on any other type of online, internet, virtual, or digital tool, good, or service that may be developed.
We have the right to require you to obtain our consent to create or operate Online Presences that are related to us, the System, the Marks, any publication, or your Franchised Business. For any Online Presence you are permitted (by express consent or by general policy) to create and operate, we reserve the right to be exercised at our option to have the Online Presence directly owned or controlled by us during the term of the Franchise Agreement or to require it to be transferred to us after the expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement. Similarly, you must provide us, on request, with credentials and login information to any such Online Presence. Your use of any Online Presence must comply with the policies in the Franchise Brand Standards Manual and other brand guidelines. We can revoke your permission to use any Online Presence at any time.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 37–42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Belocal has the right to control and discontinue any online presence it develops. Belocal may maintain a website to promote its marks and publications, and can develop any other type of online presence as it sees fit. Belocal has the right to control these online presences and discontinue any of them at its discretion. These online presences include websites, social media accounts, e-commerce sites, digital advertising, mobile applications, and virtual reality platforms.
Belocal also has the right to require franchisees to obtain consent to create or operate online presences related to Belocal, the system, or the franchised business. Belocal reserves the right to directly own or control any online presence a franchisee is permitted to create, either during the franchise term or by requiring its transfer after termination. Franchisees must provide Belocal with credentials and login information for any such online presence. Belocal can revoke a franchisee's permission to use any online presence at any time.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that while you may be allowed to create online presences to promote your Belocal franchise, Belocal maintains ultimate control. You must adhere to Belocal's brand standards and policies, and Belocal can take over or shut down your online presence if they deem it necessary. This level of control is relatively common in franchising, as franchisors seek to maintain brand consistency and protect their trademarks. However, it's crucial for franchisees to understand these terms and conditions before investing in a Belocal franchise.