Can Canine Dimensions withhold approval for a franchisee to establish a website?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
isee will operate and advertise the Franchised Business only under the name "Canine Dimensions" without prefix or suffix.
- 7.2.4 During the Term and any successor agreement, Franchisee must identify itself as the owner of the Franchised Business in conjunction with any use of the Marks, including, but not limited to, on invoices, order forms, receipts, and contracts. Franchisee must post a conspicuous notice on any documents used with Franchisee's customers and Associates that states: "EACH CANINE DIMENSIONS BUSINESS IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED" or any modification of this statement as Franchisor requires. Franchisee must include this disclaimer on all business cards, stationery, promotional and advertising materials, website and Internet communications, real estate documents, and all other materials Franchisee uses. In all public records, in relationships with other persons, and on letterhead and business forms, Franchisee must indicate its independent ownership of the Franchised Business and that Franchisee is solely a franchisee of Canine Dimensions Franchising, LLC.
- 7.2.5 Franchisee's right to use the Marks is limited to such uses as are authorized under this Agreement, and any unauthorized use of them will be considered infringement.
- 7.2.6 Franchisee must not use the Marks to incur any obligation or indebtedness on behalf of Franchisor.
- 7.2.7 Franchisee will not use the Marks as part of its Business Entity name.
- 7.2.8 Franchisee must comply with Franchisor's instructions in filing and maintaining a requisite trade name or fictitious name registration, and shall execute any documents deemed necessary by Franchisor or its counsel to obtain protection for the Marks or to maintain their continued validity and enforceability.
- 7.2.9 In the event that litigation involving the Marks is instituted or threatened against Franchisee, Franchisee must promptly notify Franchisor and must cooperate fully in defending or settling such litigation.
- 7.3 Acknowledgments. Franchisee expressly understands, acknowledges, and agrees that:
- 7.3.1 The Marks are valid and serve to identify the System and those who are authorized to operate under the System. Franchisee will not ever directly or indirectly contest the validity or Franchisor's or the licensor's ownership of the Marks.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD pages 27–28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canine Dimensions' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must include a specific disclaimer on their website and internet communications. The disclaimer states: "EACH CANINE DIMENSIONS BUSINESS IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED" or any modification of this statement as Canine Dimensions requires.
Additionally, upon termination or expiration of the Franchise Agreement, the franchisee must remove all internet listings, local citations, and social media associated with the Canine Dimensions system. This includes ceasing the use of the mark "Canine Dimensions" and all other marks associated with the system.
Item 8 of the FDD states that if a franchisee wants to purchase marketing or advertising services from a supplier other than Canine Dimensions or its authorized supplier, the franchisee must first notify Canine Dimensions and obtain written approval. Canine Dimensions will review the request and respond in writing within 60 days after they have had the opportunity to test the item or supplier. Canine Dimensions has no obligation to approve any request for a new supplier, product, or service, but they will not unreasonably withhold approval if the item, product, or service is not one that they require the franchisee to purchase from their existing suppliers. This suggests that while franchisees can propose alternative website providers or advertising methods, Canine Dimensions retains significant control over these choices to maintain brand consistency.