Can the Gokhale Method franchisor modify the Teacher's Manual?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
The current table of contents of our Teacher's Manual, which is our Operations Manual, is annexed as Exhibit C to the Disclosure Document. The Teacher's Manual may be updated or modified from time to time at our discretion.
Training (Section 10)
Your rights to teach the Gokhale Method depend upon your completion to our satisfaction of not only your Initial Training but also such other and further training classes or refresher courses as we may authorize or direct from time to time. We may suspend your right to teach one or more courses or formats if you have not completed to our satisfaction all required training or refresher requirements, programs or courses.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD pages 26–27)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Gokhale Method Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor retains the right to modify the Teacher's Manual. The FDD states that the Teacher's Manual, which serves as the Operations Manual, may be updated or modified at the franchisor's discretion from time to time. Furthermore, Gokhale Method may revise the contents of the Teachers' Manual, Policy Statements, scripts and any other teaching methods or content, and franchisees must comply with each new or changed standard.
This means that a Gokhale Method franchisee must stay current with any changes the franchisor makes to the Teacher's Manual, which dictates how the Gokhale Method system is taught and the franchised business is operated. These changes could affect the way the franchisee conducts classes, interacts with students, or manages their business. The franchisee is obligated to adhere to these modifications to maintain the standards of operation under the Gokhale Method system.
The Gokhale Method franchise agreement emphasizes the importance of protecting the franchisor's reputation and goodwill by maintaining high operational standards. The Teacher's Manual, Policy Statements, and other writings provided by Gokhale Method set forth the specific manner in which franchisees must teach the Gokhale System and operate their franchised business. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in the Teacher's Manual can result in irreparable injury to Gokhale Method, potentially leading to legal action and associated costs for the franchisee.
Moreover, the Gokhale Method franchise agreement stipulates that any ideas, concepts, methods, techniques, or materials developed by the franchisee related to improving posture, reducing back pain, or enhancing physical well-being become the property of the franchisor. Gokhale Method has the right to use these ideas to improve or modify the Gokhale Method without needing the franchisee's approval or providing compensation. This clause underscores the franchisor's control over the Gokhale Method system and its continuous development.