Does Dq Treat have the right to use sales promotion or advertising materials developed by a licensee?

According to Dq Treat's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Dq Treat owns and can use any sales promotion or advertising materials, ideas, concepts, or programs developed by a licensee. Dq Treat also has the right to permit others to use these materials.

This means that if a Dq Treat franchisee develops a successful marketing campaign or advertising concept, Dq Treat has the right to use that material across the entire franchise system without providing any compensation to the franchisee who developed it. This clause covers any advertising or promotion ideas related to the restaurant.

Before using any advertising materials, a Dq Treat licensee must submit them to Dq Treat for written approval. Dq Treat will not unreasonably withhold approval as long as the materials are factually accurate, current, in good condition and taste, of similar quality to Dq Treat's materials, and accurately depict the products and trademarks. Franchisees must disclose any ideas, concepts, products, recipes, processes, methods, techniques, improvements, or additions relating to the development or operation of a DQ restaurant to Dq Treat.

This is a fairly standard clause in franchise agreements, as it allows the franchisor to leverage successful ideas from individual franchisees for the benefit of the entire system. However, it's important for franchisees to be aware that they may not receive any direct benefit or compensation for their creative contributions.