Is a City Publications franchisee allowed to use copyrighted items in any way they choose?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
NS website, Franchisor may require Franchisee to prepare all or a portion of the page, at Franchisee's expense, using a template that Franchisor provides. All such information shall be subject to Franchisor's approval prior to posting. Franchisor retains the sole right to market on the Internet, including all use of websites, domain names, URL's, linking, meta-tags, marketing, auction sites, e-commerce and co-branding arrangements. Franchisee may be requested to provide Franchisor content for Franchisor's Internet marketing and shall be required to follow Franchisor's Intranet and Internet usage rules, policies and requirements. Franchisor retains the sole right to use the Marks on the Internet, including on websites, as domain names, directory addresses, search terms, meta-tags, and in connection with linking, marketing, cobranding and other arrangements, as well as social media and any digital marketing platform, Franchisor retains the sole right to approve any linking or other use of the CITY PUBLICATIONS website. Franchisee may not establish a presence
on, or market using, the Internet, including social media, in connection with the Franchised Business unless Franchisee has obtained Franchisor's express prior written consent and subject to Franchisor's specifications in connection with the same. With regard to any social media accounts maintained by Franchisee or its principal owners, such accounts shall identify Franchisee and its principal owner(s) as franchisees of Franchisor herein, Upon the termination or expiration of this Franchise Agreement, all social media activities of Franchisee relating to City Publications, whether on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram , LinkedIn, NextDoor or otherwise, shall immediately cease. In the event that Franchisee fails to do so, Franchisee shall be fined $1000 per month until resolved. In the event Franchisor approves an independent Franchisee website, Franchisor may require that such site shall be accessed only through Franchisor's home page.
D. Internet Communications
Franchisee shall not use any domain name or other identification except the domain name provided by the Franchisor for e-mail and other electronic communications for the franchise. All materials provided by the franchisee to the advertisers and prospects must meet the criteria set by the Franchisor. Any advertising via e-mail must be approved by the Franchisor.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD page 25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees do not have unlimited freedom to use copyrighted materials. City Publications retains significant control over the brand's marks and online presence. Franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines and obtain approval from City Publications for certain uses of its intellectual property.
City Publications retains the sole right to market on the Internet, including all use of websites, domain names, URLs, linking, meta-tags, marketing, auction sites, e-commerce, and co-branding arrangements. Franchisees may be requested to provide content for City Publications' Internet marketing but must follow the franchisor's intranet and Internet usage rules, policies, and requirements. City Publications also retains the sole right to use the marks on the Internet, including on websites, as domain names, directory addresses, search terms, meta-tags, and in connection with linking, marketing, co-branding, and other arrangements, as well as social media and any digital marketing platform.
Furthermore, franchisees cannot establish an Internet site using a domain name or URL containing any of the marks or the words "CITY PUBLICATIONS" without prior written consent from City Publications. If it becomes advisable for City Publications and/or the franchisee to modify or discontinue the use of any of the marks, the franchisee must comply with City Publications' directions within a reasonable time after notice. City Publications will not be required to reimburse the franchisee for expenses in modifying or discontinuing the use of a mark or any loss of goodwill associated with any modified or discontinued mark or for any expenditures made by the franchisee to promote a modified or substitute trademark or service mark. This demonstrates that City Publications maintains control over its trademarks and can direct franchisees to change or discontinue their use, which could impact a franchisee's marketing efforts and associated costs.