Does the Franchisor reserve the right to modify or discontinue licensing any of the Dog Haus Marks?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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 Area Developer use them; and (iii) require that Area Developer introduce or observe new practices as part of the Dog Haus System in operating the Dog Haus Restaurants.
Area Developer 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.
Area Developer shall comply, at Area Developer'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.
Franchisor shall have no liability to Area Developer for any cost, expense, loss or damage that Area Developer incurs in complying with Franchisor's directions and conforming to required changes.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 87–328)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor retains the right to modify or discontinue licensing any of the Dog Haus Marks. This means that Dog Haus has the authority to change the brand's names, marks, designs, logos, or commercial symbols that franchisees are allowed to use. They can also introduce new names, marks, designs, logos, or commercial symbols and require franchisees to use them. Additionally, Dog Haus can mandate new practices as part of the Dog Haus System.
As an Area Developer, a franchisee must comply with any changes to the Dog Haus Marks and Dog Haus System within a reasonable time after receiving written notice from Dog Haus. These changes are to be implemented at the franchisee's sole expense. This could involve updating signage, menus, marketing materials, or operational procedures to align with the new branding or system standards set by Dog Haus.
Dog Haus explicitly states that it will not be liable for any costs, expenses, losses, or damages that a franchisee incurs while complying with the franchisor's directions and conforming to required changes. This places the financial burden of adapting to these changes entirely on the franchisee. This is a fairly standard clause in franchise agreements, as franchisors need the flexibility to update their brand and systems to stay competitive, but it is important for prospective franchisees to understand the potential costs involved.