What rules must a City Publications franchisee follow regarding Intranet and Internet usage?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
chisor'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. It is further agreed that from time to time, Franchisee may receive email addresses of residents within Franchisee's Exclusive Territory. It is agreed that any such list of those email addresses belongs to Franchisor, and Franchisee may not make any use of such list or addresses without the express approval of Franchisor. Franchisor has the right to require that any email blast or similar
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific rules regarding internet and intranet usage. City Publications retains sole control over internet marketing, including websites, domain names, URLs, linking, meta-tags, auction sites, e-commerce, and co-branding arrangements. Franchisees may be asked to provide content for City Publications' internet marketing efforts and must follow the franchisor's intranet and internet usage rules, policies, and requirements.
Franchisees cannot establish an internet presence or market online, including through social media, without express prior written consent from City Publications and must adhere to their specifications. Any social media accounts maintained by the franchisee must identify them as a City Publications franchisee. Upon termination of the franchise agreement, all social media activity related to City Publications must cease immediately, or the franchisee will be fined $1000 per month until resolved. If City Publications approves an independent franchisee website, it may require that the site be accessed only through City Publications' homepage.
Furthermore, franchisees must use the domain name provided by City Publications for email and other electronic communications. All materials provided to advertisers and prospects must meet City Publications' criteria, and any email advertising must be approved by City Publications. Email addresses of residents within the franchisee's exclusive territory belong to City Publications, and the franchisee cannot use them without express approval. City Publications can require that any email communication to these residents be done by the franchisor on behalf of the franchisee, with the franchisee compensating City Publications for these services. Franchisees cannot establish an internet site using a domain name containing the City Publications marks or any variation without prior written consent from City Publications.