If Chatime approves a franchisee's website, can they condition their approval on specific terms?
Chatime Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may not maintain a website or social media accounts without our prior written consent. If we do ever approve of a website that you promote and develop, we have the right to condition our approval on the terms that we determine are necessary, such as requiring that your domain name and home page belong to us and be licensed to you for your use during the term of your agreement.
Source: Item 12 — Territory (FDD pages 35–38)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chatime's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain prior written consent from Chatime to maintain a website or social media accounts. If Chatime approves a franchisee's website, it has the right to condition its approval on terms it deems necessary.
These terms can include requiring that the domain name and home page belong to Chatime and be licensed to the franchisee for use during the term of the franchise agreement. This means that while a franchisee may develop and promote a website, Chatime retains significant control over its online presence.
This condition is important for prospective franchisees to consider, as it affects their autonomy in managing their online marketing and branding. Franchisees should discuss with Chatime what specific conditions might be imposed on website approval and how these conditions could impact their business operations and marketing strategies.