What is the Gokhale Method franchisee's duty regarding the protection and enhancement of the franchisor's reputation and goodwill?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
YOUR DUTIES
8.1. Operating Standards. You understand and acknowledge that every detail of the System and the Franchised Business is important for delivering a high quality service and product, and therefore it is important to you, us, and other Gokhale Method teachers in order to develop and maintain high operating standards, to increase the demand for the services and products sold by all franchised businesses operating under the System, to protect and enhance our reputation and goodwill, to promote and protect the value of the Marks.
To those ends, you agree to comply with our operating standards as expressed in this Agreement, the Teacher's Manual, and in Policy Statements. You understand that we have the right to suspend your right to teach, or that we may terminate this Agreement, if you fail to maintain our Operating Standards. You agree that you will not teach, administer, advise or represent any method, healing regimen or protocol, or any other activity that is not part of the Gokhale System as being part of the Gokhale System or Gokhale Method unless it has previously been approved by us in writing for your use as such.
8.2. Approved Formats. You agree to sell, offer for sale and deliver to students only the Gokhale System in Approved Formats and any related classes, services and products as have been expressly approved in writing by us and for which you have been qualified; to refrain from any deviation from our standards
and specifications without our prior written consent; and to discontinue selling and offering for sale any Gokhale Method branded class, service, product, merchandise, and equipment which we may, in our discretion, disapprove in writing at any time. The current schedule of Approved Formats and requirements for them is annexed as Exhibit B.
- 8.3. Personal Involvement. You may not, under any circumstances allow other persons to teach the Gokhale System without our express, written consent. You may not delegate, franchise or employ others to carry out the duties of this Franchise Agreement.
- 8.4. Required Training. You agree to attend any and all required continuing training, as defined in 7.2.
- 8.5.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 34)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Gokhale Method's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees play a crucial role in safeguarding and improving the brand's reputation and goodwill. As a Gokhale Method franchisee, you acknowledge that every aspect of the Gokhale Method system and franchised business is vital for delivering high-quality service and products. This is important to you, Gokhale Method, and other Gokhale Method teachers.
To maintain high operating standards, increase demand for services and products sold by all franchised businesses, and protect the value of the Gokhale Method marks, franchisees must comply with the operating standards detailed in the Franchise Agreement, the Teacher's Manual, and Policy Statements. Failure to adhere to these standards could result in the suspension of teaching rights or termination of the Franchise Agreement.
Franchisees must exclusively teach, administer, advise on, or represent methods, healing regimens, or protocols that are part of the Gokhale System, unless written approval is obtained from Gokhale Method. Franchisees must also sell and deliver the Gokhale System in approved formats and related classes, services, and products that have been expressly approved in writing by Gokhale Method and for which the franchisee is qualified. Deviations from these standards or the sale of disapproved items are prohibited.
Furthermore, franchisees are prohibited from diverting or attempting to divert customers to competitors or performing any actions that could harm the goodwill associated with the Gokhale Method marks and system. These measures collectively ensure that each franchisee contributes positively to the overall brand image and customer experience, thereby protecting and enhancing Gokhale Method's reputation.