Does City Publications retain the right to approve any linking or other use of the City Publications website?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, City Publications retains the sole right to approve any linking or other use of the City Publications website. City Publications also 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.
City Publications may request franchisees to provide content for its Internet marketing and requires franchisees to follow its 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, cobranding and other arrangements, as well as social media and any digital marketing platform.
This means that as a City Publications franchisee, you must adhere to City Publications' internet usage guidelines and obtain approval for any online activities that involve the City Publications website or trademarks. This level of control is common in franchising to maintain brand consistency and protect the franchisor's online presence. A prospective franchisee should discuss with City Publications what specific types of linking or website usage might be permitted or restricted.