Does Bft have the right to approve or disapprove of a franchisee's advertising materials?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may require you to submit samples of all advertising and promotional materials (and any use of the Marks and/or other forms of commercial identification) for any media, including the Internet or otherwise. We retain the right to approve or disapprove of such advertising, in our sole discretion. Any use of social media by you pertaining to the Studio must be in good taste and not linked to controversial, unethical, immoral, illegal or inappropriate content. We may "occupy" any social media websites/pages and be the sole provider of information regarding the Studio on such websites/pages (e.g., a system-wide Facebook page). At our request, you will promptly modify or remove any online communication pertaining to the Studio that does not comply with the Franchise Agreement or the Learning Management System. You are not prohibited from obtaining members over the Internet provided your Internet presence and content comply with the requirements of the Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 50–54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bft retains the right to approve or disapprove a franchisee's advertising materials. Bft may require franchisees to submit samples of all advertising and promotional materials for any media, including the Internet. This includes any use of Bft's trademarks or other forms of commercial identification. Bft has sole discretion over whether to approve or disapprove of the advertising.
This means that a prospective Bft franchisee must get approval from Bft before using any advertising or promotional materials. This requirement extends to all forms of media, including online advertising. The franchisee does not have the authority to make independent decisions regarding advertising content or branding.
Bft also maintains control over the Studio's social media presence. Any social media use pertaining to the Studio must be in good taste and not linked to controversial, unethical, immoral, illegal, or inappropriate content. Bft may also "occupy" any social media websites/pages and be the sole provider of information regarding the Studio on such websites/pages. At Bft's request, the franchisee must promptly modify or remove any online communication pertaining to the Studio that does not comply with the Franchise Agreement or the Learning Management System. This indicates that Bft has significant control over the franchisee's online presence and marketing efforts.
While franchisees are not prohibited from obtaining members over the Internet, their Internet presence and content must comply with the requirements of the Franchise Agreement. This further emphasizes Bft's control over the franchisee's advertising and promotional activities, ensuring that all marketing efforts align with Bft's brand standards and guidelines.