Does Carvel define 'Digital Marketing' in this section?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Digital Marketing. We or our affiliates, in our sole discretion, may establish and operate websites, social media accounts (such as Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, etc.), applications, keyword or adword purchasing programs, accounts with websites featuring gift certificates or discounted coupons (such as Groupon, Living Social, etc.), mobile applications, online videos, display banner campaigns, e-mail marketing campaigns, or other means of digital advertising on the Internet or any other means of digital or electronic communications (collectively, "Digital Marketing") that are intended to promote the Proprietary Marks, your Shoppe, and the entire network of Shoppes. We will have the sole right to control all aspects of any Digital Marketing, including those related to your Shoppe.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 59–74)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the term 'Digital Marketing' is specifically defined. Carvel or its affiliates have the sole discretion to establish and operate various digital platforms to promote the Proprietary Marks, individual Shoppes, and the entire network. These platforms include websites, social media accounts (such as Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, etc.), applications, keyword or adword purchasing programs, accounts with websites featuring gift certificates or discounted coupons (such as Groupon, Living Social, etc.), mobile applications, online videos, display banner campaigns, and e-mail marketing campaigns.
Carvel retains the sole right to control all aspects of any Digital Marketing, even those related to a franchisee's specific Shoppe. This means franchisees have limited control over the online presence and marketing strategies used to promote their own locations.
Unless Carvel provides written consent, franchisees are generally prohibited from independently engaging in Digital Marketing that uses Carvel's Proprietary Marks or relates to their Shoppe. If a franchisee is permitted to conduct Digital Marketing, they must adhere to Carvel's standards and content requirements, use only approved materials, and include any information or links that Carvel requires. Carvel also retains the right to pre-approve the use of linking and framing between any Digital Marketing conducted by the franchisee and other websites, and may withdraw approval for any Digital Marketing at any time.