What is the Gokhale Method franchisee's responsibility regarding changes to the System?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 8.10.
Changes to the System.
You agree that we have the right at our sole discretion to change the System from time to time, and you agree to comply with such changes and to cooperate with such changes as we may prescribe in the Teachers' Manual or in Policy Statements.
You agree that you shall not implement any change, amendment or improvement to the System without our express prior written consent.
You shall notify us in writing of any change, amendment or improvement in the System which you propose to make, and shall provide to us such information as we request regarding the proposed change, amendment or improvement.
You acknowledge and agree that we shall have the right to incorporate the proposed change, amendment or improvement into the System and shall thereupon obtain all right, title and interest therein without compensation to you.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 34)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Gokhale Method Franchise Disclosure Document, Gokhale Method has the right to change the System from time to time at its sole discretion. The franchisee must comply with these changes and cooperate with Gokhale Method as they prescribe changes in the Teacher's Manual or Policy Statements.
The franchisee cannot implement any change, amendment, or improvement to the System without Gokhale Method's express prior written consent. If a franchisee proposes a change, amendment, or improvement to the System, they must notify Gokhale Method in writing and provide any information Gokhale Method requests regarding the proposed change.
The franchisee acknowledges that Gokhale Method has the right to incorporate any proposed change, amendment, or improvement into the System and will then obtain all rights, title, and interest in it without compensating the franchisee. This means any improvements or changes a franchisee develops for the Gokhale Method system automatically become the property of Gokhale Method itself.
This clause highlights the importance of adhering to the franchisor's standards and protecting the brand's uniformity. While franchisees can suggest improvements, they have no right to implement them independently or receive compensation if Gokhale Method adopts their ideas. This is a fairly standard clause in franchise agreements, as franchisors need to maintain consistency across all franchise locations.