Who bears the expense of changes to the Dog Haus Marks and Dog Haus System required by the Dog Haus franchisor?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ees that no service mark other than "Dog Haus", other Dog Haus Marks specified by Franchisor shall be used in marketing, promoting, or operating the Franchised Restaurant.
- 9.3 Modifications. Franchisor reserves the right to (i) modify or discontinue licensing any of the Dog Haus Marks; (ii) add new names, marks, designs, logos or commercial symbols to the Dog Haus Marks and require that Franchisee use them; and (iii) require that Franchisee introduce or observe new practices as part of the Dog Haus System in operating the Franchised Restaurant. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that the term "Dog Haus Marks" means the specific names, marks, designs, logos or commercial symbols licensed by Franchisor at any given point in time, subject to Franchisor's right to impose changes. Franchisee shall comply, at Franchisee's sole expense, with Franchisor's directions regarding changes in the Dog Haus Marks and Dog Haus System within a reasonable time after written notice from Franchisor.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 87)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for the expenses associated with changes to the Dog Haus Marks and the Dog Haus System. The franchisee must comply with Dog Haus's directions regarding these changes within a reasonable time after receiving written notice. This includes modifications prescribed by Dog Haus, which the franchisee must implement within the specified time periods after receiving notice. The franchisee bears the cost of these changes.
This means that if Dog Haus decides to update its logos, branding, operational procedures, or any other aspect of the Dog Haus System, the franchisee will be responsible for covering the costs to implement those changes in their restaurant. These costs could include new signage, updated equipment, retraining staff, or any other expenses necessary to meet Dog Haus's new standards.
Dog Haus has the right to modify or discontinue licensing any of the Dog Haus Marks, add new marks, and require franchisees to adopt new practices as part of the Dog Haus System. Franchisees do not have the option to refuse these changes, and they must bear the financial burden of keeping their franchise up-to-date with Dog Haus's evolving standards. This is a common practice in franchising, as it ensures brand consistency and uniformity across all locations, but it can pose a financial risk for franchisees if significant or frequent changes are mandated.