What steps must a Checkers franchisee take regarding internet communications and domain names associated with their franchised restaurant upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement?

According to Checkers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, a franchisee must discontinue any mode of communication on the internet that directly or indirectly relates to their Checkers restaurant. This includes any websites or pages associated with the restaurant.

Furthermore, the franchisee must take all steps required by Checkers to transfer any domain name associated with the franchised restaurant to Checkers. This may include executing a Registrant Name Change Agreement with the applicable Registrar. The franchisee irrevocably appoints the person who is then the president of Checkers as their duly authorized agent and attorney-in-fact to execute all instruments and take all necessary steps to transfer such domain names.

These stipulations ensure that Checkers maintains control over its brand and online presence, preventing potential confusion or misuse of its trademarks and online assets after a franchise agreement ends. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their brand identity and customer goodwill.