Does Even Hotels acquire any ownership interest in the WAN hardware installed for its use?
Even_Hotels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
IHG may install or cause to be installed a wide area network (WAN) and WAN Hardware for Hotel's use in communicating with IHG's systems.
IHG shall have the right to determine the optimal method of access based upon the Software and Hardware located at the Hotel and the telecommunications and other services available to Licensee.
Licensee acknowledges that Licensee will not acquire any ownership interest in the Hardware related to or installed in connection with the WAN.
Licensee hereby irrevocably authorizes IHG or its agents, or the agents of any WAN Hardware lessor or supplier, to enter upon the Hotel property for the purpose of installing, inspecting, maintaining, and removing the WAN Hardware.
IHG requires that Licensee, at Licensee's cost, purchase broadband Internet access at the Hotel in order to establish the primary WAN link.
IHG's WAN link will be used as a backup if the primary WAN link fails.
WAN Hardware Installation.
Licensee agrees that only WAN Hardware that meets IHG's specifications and configurations will be installed or connected in any way to the reservation system.
IHG will have the right to cause the installations of the WAN Hardware at the Hotel by a date specified by IHG.
Licensee will, at Licensee's expense and prior to the scheduled installation of the WAN Hardware, make available to IHG and its vendors a suitable, readily accessible location for installation of the WAN Hardware.
Licensee will furnish the required electrical connections and any necessary cable installation and shall perform all work, including alterations, IHG deems necessary to prepare the site for installation and operation of the WAN Hardware.
Once installed, Licensee shall not move, service, alter, or damage the WAN Hardware.
Licensee will procure that all WAN at the Hotel will (i) be installed in the Hotel's information technology room in a cabinet customarily used for such purposes and otherwise satisfying IHG's reasonable requirements, (ii) be clearly labeled, and (iii) be connected to an uninterruptible power supply.
Upon
expiration of, termination of, or event of default under the License, the WAN Hardware may be required to be de-installed from the Hotel by a Service Provider reasonably acceptable to IHG and at Licensee's sole expense.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 99–438)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Even Hotels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee will not acquire any ownership interest in the Wide Area Network (WAN) hardware installed for the hotel's use. IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) may install or cause to be installed a WAN and WAN Hardware for the Hotel's use in communicating with IHG's systems.
The franchisee is responsible for purchasing broadband Internet access to establish the primary WAN link at their own cost. IHG's WAN link will serve as a backup. The franchisee also agrees that only WAN Hardware meeting IHG's specifications will be installed or connected to the reservation system.
Even Hotels, or its agents, have the right to enter the hotel property to install, inspect, maintain, and remove the WAN hardware. Upon the license's expiration, termination, or default, the WAN hardware may need to be de-installed from the hotel at the franchisee's expense.