What standards must Caption By Hyatt franchisees adhere to when creating advertising materials?
Caption_By_Hyatt Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
that the Cooperative will use or conduct. (Section 5.5 of Franchise Agreement).
You must ensure that all advertising, marketing, and promotional materials, all public relations plans and programs, and all uses of the Proprietary Marks are conducted in a dignified manner and comply with the System Standards, including the use of our standard templates where applicable, and which may, at our option, require our prior approval of materials that we have not previously approved. You must discontinue using any materials (including previously-approved materials) and stop engaging in any plans and programs (including previously-approved plans and programs) within the timeframe we specify after you receive written notice from us. You may not use Guest Information (defined in Item 14) in conducting marketing, advertising and promotional programs for the Hotel, except for programs conducted by or through us or with our supervision in each instance. (Section 5.3 of Franchise Agreement)
The "Hotel System Website" is a website that we or one or more members of the Hyatt Group develops, maintains and/or authorizes for all or a certain group of Brand Hotels that we periodically specify (and, at our option, other Hyatt Network Hotels). We currently provide each participating Brand Hotel a separate webpage on the Hotel System Website. You must comply with all System Standards relating to the Hotel System Website, including by providing us (or our designee) all information and other materials concerning the Hotel that we periodically request and promptly notifying us whenever any information concerning the Hotel on the Hotel's webpage is no longer accurate.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 48–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Caption By Hyatt's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must ensure that all advertising, marketing, and promotional materials, as well as public relations plans and programs, are conducted in a dignified manner. These materials must comply with the System Standards, which includes using Caption By Hyatt's standard templates where applicable. Caption By Hyatt has the option to require prior approval of materials that they have not previously approved.
Caption By Hyatt franchisees must discontinue using any materials, including previously-approved ones, and stop engaging in any plans and programs, including previously-approved plans and programs, within the timeframe specified by Caption By Hyatt after receiving written notice. Franchisees are restricted from using Guest Information, as defined in Item 14 of the FDD, for marketing, advertising, and promotional programs for the hotel, unless these programs are conducted by or through Caption By Hyatt or with their supervision in each instance.
These standards ensure brand consistency and protect the reputation of the Caption By Hyatt brand. By requiring compliance with System Standards and the potential for prior approval, Caption By Hyatt maintains control over how the brand is presented to the public. The restriction on using Guest Information without supervision is likely in place to protect guest privacy and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. This level of control is typical in franchising, where maintaining a consistent brand image is crucial for success.
Furthermore, all restrictions applying to the franchisee's advertising, marketing, or promotional materials also extend to any materials or programs used or conducted by a Cooperative, should the franchisee choose to participate in one. This ensures that even in cooperative advertising efforts, the same standards of dignity and compliance with System Standards are maintained. Franchisees should be aware of these requirements and plan their advertising and marketing activities accordingly to avoid any potential conflicts or the need for revisions.