Can Engineering For Kids specify the internet access mode for franchisees?
Engineering_For_Kids Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 8.5.9. We have the right to maintain a website and other Online Sites (as defined below) for benefit of ourselves, our franchisees, and the "Engineering For Kids" brand.
Unless we have otherwise approved in writing, you agree to neither establish nor permit any other party to establish an Online Site relating in any manner whatsoever to the Franchised Business or referring to the Proprietary Marks.
We have the right, but not the obligation, to provide one or more references or webpage(s) to your Franchised Business, as we may periodically designate, within our Online Site. (The term "Online Site" means one or more related documents, designs, pages, or other communications that can be accessed through electronic means, including but not limited to the Internet, World Wide Web, social networking sites (including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Wave, Google Plus, Pinterest, etc.), blogs, vlogs, applications to be installed on mobile devices (e.g., tablet, IOS, or Android apps), and other applications, etc.) If we ever do approve in writing a request for you to use a separate Online Site (which we are not required to do), then we have the right to require that you meet any or all of the following requirements:
- (a) You agree that any Online Site that you own or that is maintained for your benefit will be deemed "advertising" under this Agreement, and will be subject to (among other things) our prior written approval, including under Section 9.6.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 53–138)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Engineering For Kids retains significant control over the online presence and activities of its franchisees. While the FDD does not explicitly state whether Engineering For Kids can mandate a specific internet access mode, it does state that franchisees must obtain written approval before establishing any online site related to the franchised business or using the company's proprietary marks. This approval process extends to any online site owned by the franchisee or maintained for their benefit, which Engineering For Kids deems as advertising and subjects to prior written approval.
Engineering For Kids maintains the right to operate a website and other online sites for the benefit of the brand and its franchisees. Unless otherwise approved in writing, franchisees are prohibited from establishing their own online sites related to the business or using the company's proprietary marks. However, Engineering For Kids may provide references or webpages to the franchisee's business within its own online site.
Given Engineering For Kids's control over online activities and the requirement for written approval for franchisee-operated online sites, it is plausible that they could influence or potentially specify aspects of internet access or related technologies used for online operations, though this is not explicitly detailed in the provided FDD excerpts. A prospective franchisee should seek clarification from Engineering For Kids regarding any specific requirements or restrictions related to internet access, providers, or technologies to ensure compliance and alignment with the franchisor's standards.