What approval is required from Holiday Inn to promote a website relating to an Even Hotels franchise?
Even_Hotels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may not promote, implement or be responsible for any web site relating to your Hotel without Holiday's advance written approval. You may not register any of the Marks (defined in Item 13), as part of any domain name or Uniform Resource Locator (URL), and/or display or use any of the marks or other intellectual property rights related to the Brand System or to any of the other brands licensed by Holiday in connection with any web site, without Holiday's advance written approval. You must comply with all of Holiday's web site requirements in connection with any web sites you develop and maintain relating to your Hotel.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 82–83)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Even Hotels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain Holiday Inn's advance written approval before promoting or implementing any website related to their hotel. This requirement extends to registering any marks defined in Item 13 as part of a domain name or URL. Additionally, franchisees need written approval from Holiday Inn to display or use any marks or intellectual property rights related to the Brand System or other brands licensed by Holiday Inn on any website. Franchisees must also adhere to all of Holiday Inn's website requirements for any websites they develop and maintain for their Even Hotels location.
This stipulation ensures that all online representations of the Even Hotels brand align with Holiday Inn's standards and protect its intellectual property. It prevents franchisees from creating websites that could potentially dilute the brand or create confusion among customers. The FDD also states that franchisees must comply with the guidelines contained in the Standards for Independent Hotel Web Sites.
While franchisees can operate an independent website at their own expense, they must follow the guidelines outlined in the Standards for independent websites, including those for Search Engine Marketing and Email. The FDD cautions that additional online marketing for an independent website may increase performance marketing costs and lower the return on investment if Holiday Inn is already marketing the hotel through its global Performance Marketing programs, potentially creating two competing websites. This highlights the importance of coordinating marketing efforts with Holiday Inn to avoid inefficiencies.
In summary, while Even Hotels franchisees have the option to create their own websites, they must secure advance written approval from Holiday Inn and adhere to specific brand standards and guidelines to maintain brand consistency and avoid potential conflicts with Holiday Inn's marketing strategies.