Where must a Caring Transitions franchisee display the statement that the franchised business is independently owned and operated?
Caring_Transitions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee shall display the Marks in the manner prescribed by Franchisor on all signs and all other advertising and promotional materials used in connection with the franchised business.
Franchisee specifically acknowledges and agrees that the word "advertising" as used in this agreement includes, but is not limited to, signs (including signs on motor vehicles and the interior and exterior of the Premises), URLs, e-mail addresses, Internet listings, banners, advertisements, or other services or links on or with the Internet, World Wide Web, Internet service providers, email services, communication providers, search engines, and similar services.
- 11.9.
Web site.
Franchisee specifically acknowledges and agrees that any Web site (as defined below) will be deemed "advertising" under this agreement, and will be subject to (among other things) Franchisor's approval under this Article 11.
As used in this agreement, the term "Web site**"** means an interactive electronic document, series of symbols, or otherwise, that is contained in a network of
computers and/or other devices linked by communications software and includes, but is not limited to, social media pages and web logs. The term Web site includes, but is not limited to, Internet and World Wide Web home pages, social media pages, and web logs. In connection with any Web site, Franchisee agrees to the following:
- (a) Franchisor shall have the right, but not the obligation, to establish and maintain a Web site, which may, without limitation, promote the Marks, the System, any or all of the Permitted Products and Services, and/or the offer and sale of Caring Transitions franchises.
Franchisee shall use all Web sites relating to the franchised business required by Franchisor.
Franchisor shall have the sole right to control all aspects of the Web site, including, but not limited to, its design, content, functionality, links to the Web sites of third parties, legal notices, and policies and terms of usage.
Franchisor shall also have the right to discontinue the operation of the Web site at any time in its business judgment.
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 41–49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Caring Transitions Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee must display the marks in the manner prescribed by the franchisor on all signs and all other advertising and promotional materials used in connection with the franchised business. The agreement specifies that 'advertising' includes signs (including those on motor vehicles and the interior and exterior of the premises), URLs, email addresses, Internet listings, banners, advertisements, or other services or links on or with the Internet, World Wide Web, Internet service providers, email services, communication providers, and search engines.
Any website is deemed advertising under the agreement and is subject to the franchisor's approval. The franchisor has the right, but not the obligation, to establish and maintain a website to promote the marks, the system, and the permitted products and services. The franchisee is required to use all websites relating to the franchised business as required by the franchisor, who retains sole control over all aspects of the website, including design, content, and functionality.
While the FDD specifies where the Caring Transitions marks should be displayed, it does not explicitly state where a franchisee must display a statement that the franchised business is independently owned and operated. A prospective franchisee should clarify with the franchisor where this specific disclaimer needs to be placed to ensure full compliance with Caring Transitions's brand standards and legal requirements.