What digital marketing activities are Carvel franchisees prohibited from engaging in directly or indirectly without written consent from Carvel?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- A. Restrictions. 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, branded content social media 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 Marks, your Franchised Business, and the entire network of Businesses. We will have the sole right to control all aspects of any Digital Marketing, including those related to your Franchised Business.
- B. Digital Marketing By You. Unless we consent otherwise in writing, you may not, directly or indirectly, conduct or be involved in any Digital Marketing that use the Marks or that relate to the Franchised Business. If we do permit you to conduct any Digital Marketing, you must (i) comply with any Standards or content requirements that we establish periodically and must
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–353)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are restricted from independently conducting digital marketing activities. Carvel retains the sole right to control all aspects of digital marketing intended to promote the brand, the franchisee's specific franchised business, and the entire network of Carvel businesses. This includes establishing and operating websites, managing social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube, and TikTok, and implementing keyword or adword purchasing programs.
These restrictions also extend to accounts with websites featuring gift certificates or discounted coupons, such as Groupon and Living Social, as well as the use of mobile applications, online videos, display banner campaigns, branded content social media campaigns, and e-mail marketing campaigns. Essentially, any form of digital or electronic communication used for advertising purposes falls under Carvel's direct control.
Without prior written consent from Carvel, franchisees are prohibited from directly or indirectly engaging in any digital marketing activities that utilize the Carvel marks or relate to the franchised business. If Carvel does grant permission for a franchisee to conduct digital marketing, the franchisee must adhere to all standards and content requirements established by Carvel. This ensures that all digital marketing efforts align with Carvel's overall brand strategy and standards, maintaining consistency and protecting the brand's image across all digital platforms.