Who owns Digital Media and Published Content that is approved by Deer Solution's franchisor?
Deer_Solution Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(c) All Digital Media, all Digital Media accounts, and all Digital Media log-in information.
The foregoing shall not be construed and/or interpreted as Assignees acknowledgment and/or agreement that Assignor owns and/or possesses any ownership interests in the foregoing telephone numbers, accounts and/or Digital Media. Any and all rights of Assignor in and to same exist subject to a limited license pursuant to the Deer Solution Business Franchise Agreement which shall take precedence and govern. However, this Assignment is intended by Assignor and Assignee to be an instrument that may be relied upon by all third parties to authorize and permit the assignments and transfers set forth in this Assignment and to facilitate the transfer of accounts and media to within the control of Assignee. Nothing contained in this Assignment shall be used to construe nor imply that Assignor possesses any ownership interests or rights in the Digital Media and in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between this Assignment and the Franchise Agreement, the Franchise Agreement shall take precedence and govern.
- This Assignment will become effective automatically upon the termination or expiration of the Franchise Agreement for any reason. As to all third parties proof of the expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement shall exist exclusively upon the written declaration of Assignee and Assignee's declaration shall be dispositive and not subject to challenge. Assignor acknowledges that all third parties may rely on this Assignment for the purpose of taking any and all actions to ensure that access to and control of the
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 55–246)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Deer Solution's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor retains significant control over digital media. While franchisees may utilize digital media in their operations, the franchisor does not acknowledge franchisee ownership of digital media accounts. Instead, the franchisor maintains that any rights a franchisee has to digital media exist subject to a limited license granted by the Deer Solution Business Franchise Agreement.
Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, control of the digital media automatically reverts to the franchisor. Third parties are authorized to rely on the franchisor's declaration of termination or expiration as conclusive proof for transferring access and control of the digital media.
This arrangement ensures that Deer Solution maintains consistent brand messaging and control over its online presence. It also means that a franchisee cannot take their website, social media accounts, or online content with them if they leave the Deer Solution system. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider this when evaluating the long-term value of building a digital presence for their Deer Solution business.