What happens if a Gokhale Method franchisee teaches a method not approved by the franchisor?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
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
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 34)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Gokhale Method Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to the franchisor's operating standards. Gokhale Method emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality service and product delivery to protect its reputation and the value of its trademarks. As such, franchisees must comply with the operating standards detailed in the Franchise Agreement, the Teacher's Manual, and Policy Statements.
If a Gokhale Method franchisee fails to maintain these operating standards, the franchisor has the right to suspend the franchisee's right to teach or even terminate the Franchise Agreement. Specifically, franchisees are prohibited from teaching, advising, or representing any method, healing regimen, or protocol not part of the Gokhale System without prior written approval from Gokhale Method.
Furthermore, Gokhale Method franchisees must only sell and deliver the Gokhale System in approved formats and related classes, services, and products that have been expressly approved in writing by the franchisor and for which the franchisee is qualified. Deviation from these standards without prior written consent is not allowed, and Gokhale Method can disapprove any branded class, service, product, merchandise, and equipment at its discretion.