Can Counselor Realty retroactively disapprove a Counselor Realty franchisee's website that was previously allowed?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You have the option to develop your own website as part of your overall promotion strategy. Your website must conform at all times to Counselor's brand standard and image. If Counselor determines, in its sole discretion, that your website does not conform to Counselor's brand standard or image, you will alter or remove such website, as directed in writing by
Counselor. Your use of the our trademarks on your website must conform at all times to the requirements set forth in the Franchise Agreement. Counselor does not currently require your website to be approved by Counselor prior to you using it, but reserves the right to review and approve your website (and to require you to alter or cease using all or any portion of such website it does not approve).
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 17–21)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Counselor Realty's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have the option to develop their own website as part of their promotion strategy. However, the website must always conform to Counselor Realty's brand standards and image. While Counselor Realty does not initially require website approval, they retain the right to review and approve a franchisee's website at any time.
This means that even if a Counselor Realty franchisee's website was initially launched without prior approval, Counselor Realty can later review the site and demand alterations or removal of all or any portion of the website if it does not meet their brand standards. This applies to the use of Counselor Realty's trademarks as well, which must always adhere to the requirements outlined in the Franchise Agreement.
This policy gives Counselor Realty significant control over a franchisee's online presence and marketing efforts. A prospective franchisee should carefully consider Counselor Realty's brand standards and ensure their website aligns with these standards to avoid potential conflicts or the need for costly revisions in the future. It would be prudent for a potential franchisee to discuss website compliance and approval processes with existing franchisees during their due diligence.