Under what conditions can a Bhc master franchisee use the Marks and Intellectual Property on the Internet or other electronic media?
Bhc Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ed Business.
Neither Master Franchisee nor any Principal Equity Operator nor any employee, agent, or representative thereof may use or display the Marks and Intellectual Property in connection with the operation of any business or other activity that is outside the scope of the Franchised Business. Master Franchisee may only use the Marks and Intellectual Property on the Internet or other electronic media in the manner and as specifically authorized by Franchisor in the Operations Manual or otherwise in writing. Master Franchisee agrees to be responsible for and supervise all its employees and agents to insure the proper use of the Marks and Intellectual Property in compliance with this Agreement.
- (b) Master Franchisee acknowledges and agrees (i) Master Franchisee's use of the Marks and Intellectual Property is a temporary authorized use under this Agreement, (ii) the Owner of the Marks retains all ownership interests in the Marks, and (iii) Franchisor and the Owner of the Marks retain all ownership of the goodwill generated by the Marks. Master Franchisee acknowledges that the use of the Marks outside the scope of the terms of this Agreement without Franchisor's written consent is an infringement of the Owner of the Marks' and Franchisor's exclusive right, title, and interest in and to the Marks and Intellectual Property. Master Franchisee agrees that as between Master Franchisee and Franchisor, all rights to use the Marks and Intellectual Property within the franchised System are Franchisor's exclusive property.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–230)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Master Franchisee can only use the Marks and Intellectual Property on the Internet or other electronic media if specifically authorized by Bhc in the Operations Manual or otherwise in writing. This authorization is required to market the Franchised Business conducted at the Master Franchise BHC Restaurant and in the Territory.
Bhc Master Franchisees are restricted from establishing independent websites or social networking media dedicated to marketing the Franchised Business. They are also prohibited from registering an Internet domain or social networking media name using any of Bhc's Marks.
Furthermore, any alternative distribution methods and programs, including e-commerce, websites, Internet sub-dealers, telesales, telemarketing, or any other non-retail method of distribution, require Bhc's prior written approval, which Bhc may grant or deny at its sole discretion. This ensures that all online marketing and distribution efforts align with Bhc's overall brand strategy and standards.