What is the scope of the System that the City Publications franchisee must cease using upon termination?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
cifications 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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must cease all social media activities relating to City Publications, regardless of the platform. Failure to do so results in a fine of $1,000 per month until the issue is resolved.
Additionally, the franchisee must discontinue using any assumed name or equivalent registration filed with state, city, or county authorities that contains the name "CITY PUBLICATIONS" or any of the Marks. The franchisee must provide satisfactory evidence of compliance to City Publications within 30 days after termination or expiration of the agreement.
The franchisee is also required to relinquish or transfer the franchised business telephone number to City Publications or its designee. They must notify the telephone service provider and all listing agencies of the termination of their rights to use any telephone number or directory listings associated with the "CITY PUBLICATIONS" name or any of the Marks, authorizing the transfer to City Publications or its direction.
These stipulations ensure that upon termination, the franchisee completely separates from the City Publications brand, preventing any potential confusion or misuse of the brand's identity and resources. The financial penalty for non-compliance regarding social media activities serves as a strong deterrent, reinforcing the importance of adhering to these post-termination obligations.