Is written approval required from Focus Cfo for franchisee-developed advertising materials?
Focus_Cfo Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may develop advertising materials for your own use, at your own cost. However, we must approve the advertising materials in advance and in writing. You may not use your own advertising materials unless you have received written notice of approval from us.
You must obtain our written authorization if you desire to have any marketing materials, including an internet presence, or any email campaigns utilizing the Focus CFO Marks or promoting the Focus CFO Services.
We have developed a social media policy that all Franchisees are required to follow. You shall remove any online content in violation of such policy as determined by Focus CFO within twentyfour (24) hours of Focus CFO's request. You must obtain our prior written approval to create any social networking account using the Focus CFO Marks or promoting the Focus CFO Services other than your personal accounts, including without limitation, social networking accounts with LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You must comply with the written policies of Focus CFO in maintaining such social network accounts and we have the sole discretion to determine any content that needs to be removed.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 17–23)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Focus Cfo's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain written approval from Focus Cfo before using their own advertising materials. While franchisees can develop advertising materials at their own cost, they cannot use them without receiving prior written approval from Focus Cfo.
This requirement ensures that all advertising aligns with Focus Cfo's brand standards and marketing strategies. It also extends to online marketing efforts; franchisees need written authorization to use Focus Cfo Marks or promote Focus Cfo Services in any marketing materials, including their internet presence or email campaigns.
Focus Cfo also maintains a social media policy that all franchisees must follow. Franchisees must remove any online content that Focus Cfo deems a violation of this policy within 24 hours of Focus Cfo's request. Prior written approval is needed to create any social networking account using Focus Cfo Marks or promoting Focus Cfo Services, excluding personal accounts on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Focus CFO has sole discretion over content that needs to be removed from these accounts, and franchisees must comply with Focus CFO's written policies for maintaining such social network accounts.
These stipulations are typical in franchising, allowing Focus Cfo to maintain brand consistency and control over its public image. Prospective franchisees should carefully review Focus Cfo's advertising and social media policies to understand the extent of these requirements and ensure they are comfortable adhering to them.