What is Closet Storage Concepts' definition of a 'Website' in the context of the franchise agreement?
Closet_Storage_Concepts Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You acknowledge and agree that any Website (including, but not limited to the Closet & Storage Concepts Website) constitutes "advertising" under our Franchise Agreement. If we permit you to develop or utilize a Website, it must meet all other terms and conditions for advertising described in our Agreement. For this purpose, a "Website" means interactive electronic documents, contained in a network of computers linked by communications software, that you operate or authorize others to operate that refers to your store, the Proprietary Marks, us, and the Closet & Storage Concepts system. The term Website also includes Internet, Intranet and World Wide Web home pages, or social networking sites (including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter) and any presence in virtual worlds. You must not establish any Website without our prior written approval of its form, content and information due to our substantial interest in protecting the Proprietary Marks, the System and the Confidential Information. We may require you to participate in a centralized Website operated by us, without any compensation to you. We may refuse to permit you to operate or establish any Website. We reserve the right to establish one or more Internet, Intranet or other forms of e-commerce Websites,
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 27–38)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Closet Storage Concepts' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a 'Website' is defined broadly within the franchise agreement. It encompasses any interactive electronic documents accessible through a network of computers linked by communication software. This includes the Closet & Storage Concepts Website itself, as well as any website operated by a franchisee or authorized third party that references the franchisee's store, Closet Storage Concepts' proprietary marks, or the Closet & Storage Concepts system.
The definition extends beyond traditional websites to include Internet, Intranet, and World Wide Web home pages. It also specifically mentions social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter, as well as any presence in virtual worlds. This comprehensive definition ensures that all forms of online presence and advertising are covered under the franchise agreement.
Closet Storage Concepts maintains significant control over franchisees' websites. Franchisees must obtain prior written approval from Closet Storage Concepts regarding the form, content, and information displayed on any website. Closet Storage Concepts may also require franchisees to participate in a centralized website operated by the franchisor, without compensation to the franchisee. Furthermore, Closet Storage Concepts reserves the right to refuse a franchisee the ability to operate or establish any website. This control is in place to protect the Proprietary Marks, the System, and Confidential Information.