factual

Must a Brain Balance franchisee use only standard methodologies prescribed by the company?

Brain_Balance Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

reement Signed | | | | | But Franchise Not | | | | | Opened | | |

FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

1
4
1
1
11

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, COMPANY has expended time, effort, and money to develop a uniform and standardized system (the "System") for the operation of Brain Balance® Centers (the "Center(s)"), which offer the Brain Balance Program®, a non-medical method of assessment and program development for individuals with developmental delays resulting from neurological and physiological imbalances using certain technology (the "Licensed Technology") (the "Business"), under the trade names and service marks "Brain Balance Program®", "Brain Balance®" with logo, and Brain Balance®" " ("Brain Balance Program®", "Brain Balance®" with logo, and Brain Balance®", and such other trade names, trademarks, service names, logos, copyrights, and other service marks now or hereafter used by COMPANY in connection with the System are hereinafter referred to as the "Marks"); and

WHEREAS, COMPANY's System includes a business strategy utilizing training methods, methodology, protocols, Licensed Technology, promotional programs, uniform standards, a confidential Operations Manual (as hereinafter defined), and other information, items, and experience that benefit the operation of the Business; and

WHEREAS, FRANCHISEE acknowledges that the Business, operated in accordance with the System and utilizing the Marks has acquired distinctive and valuable goodwill among the public; and

WHEREAS, FRANCHISEE desires to enter into the Business, to be operated in accordance with the System and utilizing the Marks, all subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual promises herein contained, it is agreed:

1. GRANT OF FRANCHISE

1.01. COMPANY hereby grants to FRANCHISEE and FRANCHISEE hereby accepts the right, license, privilege, and franchise of utilizing the Marks, the Licensed Technology, and System to establish a single Brain Balance® Center and to operate the Business therein, all, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement solely within the territory described in Schedule I attached hereto (the "Territory"), at a specific location to be approved in writing by

COMPANY, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld (the "Franchise"). The operation of the Business pursuant to the Franchise is hereinafter referred to as the "Franchised Business."

  • 1.02. The Franchise granted herein is for the operation of a Brain Balance® Center franchise under the trade names and service marks "Brain Balance Program®" and "Brain Balance®" with logo, which shall specialize in a non-medical program designed to help children with developmental delays resulting from neurological and physiological imbalances.
  • 1.03. The Franchise granted herein does not grant FRANCHISEE the right to engage in any business other than the Franchised Business, whether said business is conducted within or without the Territory or under the Marks or under any other name or mark.

2. USE OF NAME

  • 2.01. FRANCHISEE is granted the right to use, and FRANCHISEE agrees to use, the words "Brain Balance®" as part of its trade or business name, in the exact manner and style set forth on Schedule I (the "Business Name") and as directed by COMPANY. COMPANY reserves the right to direct a change in the manner of use of the Marks by FRANCHISEE, and FRANCHISEE agrees to comply with such directions. FRANCHISEE shall not use the Marks as part of its corporate or limited liability company name without the prior written consent of COMPANY.
  • 2.02. FRANCHISEE agrees to obtain COMPANY's prior written approval for all content used by FRANCHISEE on FRANCHISEE's link to COMPANY's Web site.

3. TERRITORY

  • 3.01. FRANCHISEE is granted an exclusive right to establish a single location for the Franchised Business in the city, town, or village identified on Schedule I that is located within the Territory. FRANCHISEE may not without COMPANY's prior written consent relocate its Center or open additional centers for the Franchised Business within the Territory.
  • 3.02. COMPANY agrees that throughout the term of this Agreement and provided that FRANCHISEE is not in default hereunder, COMPANY will neither operate nor franchise others to operate a Brain Balance® Center within the Territory, or within a designated radius of FRANCHISEE'S Brain Balance® Center. FRANCHISEE acknowledges that COMPANY may market to clients located inside of the Territory or advertise inside of the Territory.
  • 3.03.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 70–72)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Brain Balance's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to the company's standardized system for operating their centers. This system includes specific training methods, methodologies, protocols, and the use of licensed technology, all detailed in the confidential Operations Manual. The franchise agreement emphasizes that the Brain Balance business must be operated in accordance with this System.

Specifically, franchisees must obtain prior written consent from Brain Balance regarding various aspects of their center's operation. This includes the center's location, layout, office equipment, and all printed materials used in the business, such as assessment tools, stationery, and signage. Furthermore, all advertising and promotional materials, whether printed or digital, must also be submitted for the company's written approval before use. Brain Balance has 10 days to approve or disapprove of the activities, materials, media, or use in writing.

Franchisees are permitted to conduct individual email communications without prior approval, provided the content complies with the requirements and restrictions outlined in the Operations Manual. However, franchisees must obtain prior written approval for any email addresses other than the one assigned by the company. They are also prohibited from using toll-free numbers or email addresses that include "BBF," "Brain Balance®," or "Brain Balance Program®," unless otherwise specified in the Operations Manual. Additionally, franchisees are not allowed to maintain an independent website but must participate in the System Web site as directed by Brain Balance.

These stipulations ensure that Brain Balance maintains a consistent brand image and service quality across all franchise locations. For a prospective franchisee, this means a limited flexibility in how they operate and market their center, as they must adhere to the established System and obtain approval for many operational and marketing decisions. While franchisees can use social media independently, they must still follow the brand's guidelines. This level of control is typical in franchising, where uniformity is valued to protect the brand's reputation and customer experience.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.