Does Chicken Guy have the right to designate the form and content of a franchisee's website?
Chicken_Guy Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may not use the Proprietary Marks on any Internet domain name, e-mail address or in the operation of any Internet website without our prior written consent. We may grant or withhold our consent in our sole discretion and may condition our consent on such requirements as we deem appropriate, including, among other things, that you obtain our prior written approval of: (1) any and all Internet domain names and home page addresses related to the Franchised Restaurant; (2) the proposed form and content (including any visible and non-visible content such as meta-tags) of any website related to the Franchised Restaurant; (3) your use of any hyperlinks or other links; (4) your use of any materials (including text, video clips, photographs, images and sound bites) in which any third party has an ownership interest; and (5) any proposed modification of your website. We may designate the form and content of your website and/or require that any such website be hosted by us or a third party designated by us, using one or more websites that we own and/or control. In addition, we may require you to establish hyperlinks to our website or another website designated by us. We may charge you a fee for developing, reviewing and approving your website and/or for hosting the website.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 36–38)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chicken Guy's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Chicken Guy has extensive control over a franchisee's website. Chicken Guy's consent is required for any Internet domain name, e-mail address, or website operation related to the franchise. This consent can be granted or withheld at Chicken Guy's discretion.
Chicken Guy can dictate the form and content of the website, including visible and non-visible content like meta-tags. Franchisees must also obtain written approval for hyperlinks, materials from third parties, and any website modifications. Chicken Guy can designate the website's form and content, and even require that the website be hosted by Chicken Guy or a third party chosen by them, potentially using websites that Chicken Guy owns or controls.
Furthermore, Chicken Guy can mandate hyperlinks to their own website or another designated site. Chicken Guy also has the right to charge franchisees a fee for developing, reviewing, approving, and/or hosting the website. This level of control over a franchisee's online presence is common in franchising, as it helps maintain brand consistency and quality control.