If a Dq Treat licensee fails to transfer domain names, what action is required?
Dq_Treat Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (D) If, despite not being permitted to do so, Licensee owns or controls any domain name registrations in connection with the Restaurant or that include any of the Trademarks, Licensee agrees to promptly transfer ownership of such domain names to Company and execute any documents the domain name registry requires in connection with the transfer of these domain name registrations to Company.
Source: Item 17 — The following paragraph is added to the end of Item 17 of the Disclosure Document: (FDD pages 70–378)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dq Treat's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a licensee owns or controls any domain name registrations connected to the restaurant or including any of the Trademarks, despite not being permitted to do so, the licensee must promptly transfer ownership of such domain names to Dq Treat. The licensee must also execute any documents the domain name registry requires to complete the transfer of these domain name registrations to Dq Treat.
This requirement ensures that Dq Treat maintains control over its brand and online presence. By mandating the transfer of domain names, Dq Treat prevents potential misuse or cybersquatting that could harm the brand's reputation or confuse customers. This is a standard practice in franchising, as franchisors typically want to ensure consistent branding and marketing across all franchise locations.
For a prospective Dq Treat franchisee, this means understanding that any domain names related to the business or brand must be transferred to Dq Treat if they are owned or controlled by the franchisee. This obligation is part of the broader responsibility to protect and uphold the Dq Treat brand, and failure to comply could result in legal or contractual repercussions.