Who owns the customer data generated by a Crave Cookies business?
Crave_Cookies Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 11.5 Business Data. All customer data and other non-public data generated by the Business is Confidential Information and is exclusively owned by Crave Cookies Franchising.
Crave
Cookies Franchising hereby licenses such data back to Franchisee without charge solely for Franchisee's use in connection with the Business for the term of this Agreement.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave Cookies's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Crave Cookies Franchising exclusively owns all customer data and other non-public data generated by a Crave Cookies business. This data is considered Confidential Information. However, Crave Cookies Franchising licenses this data back to the franchisee without charge. The franchisee can only use this data in connection with their Crave Cookies business during the term of the Franchise Agreement.
This means that while franchisees collect customer data through their daily operations, they do not own it. Crave Cookies retains ownership and controls how this data is utilized. The franchisee's access to and use of the data is limited to the duration of the agreement and solely for the purpose of operating their franchise.
For a prospective franchisee, this has several implications. While you can use customer data to improve your local marketing efforts and customer service, you cannot sell, share, or utilize this data for any other business ventures. Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, your right to use this data also ends. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as it allows the franchisor to maintain consistency and control over the brand's customer relationships and marketing strategies.
It is important for potential franchisees to understand these terms, as the value of customer data can be significant in today's business environment. While franchisees benefit from using the data during their franchise term, the long-term ownership and control remain with Crave Cookies Franchising.