What is the effect of the Telephone Company's receipt of direction on the assignment of telephone numbers and listings for a Hydrodog franchise?

According to the 2025 Hydrodog Franchise Disclosure Document, the assignment of telephone numbers and listings becomes immediately and automatically effective once the Telephone Company receives notice from either the franchisee or Hydrodog. This means that upon the termination or expiration of the Franchise Agreement, Hydrodog can ensure a swift transfer of the phone numbers and listings to maintain business continuity and brand recognition.

This immediate transfer is crucial for Hydrodog because it protects their interest in the System and Marks by controlling the telephone numbers and listings of the business. The franchisee assigns all rights to telephone numbers and listings to Hydrodog, who can then notify the phone company to effectuate the assignment. This ensures that Hydrodog maintains control over these assets, which are essential for customer communication and business operations.

For a prospective Hydrodog franchisee, this clause means that upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, they will lose all rights to the phone numbers and listings associated with the business. They must also notify the telephone company and all telephone directory publishers of the termination or expiration of their right to use any telephone numbers and authorize the transfer of such numbers and directory listings to Hydrodog. This is a standard practice in franchising to protect the brand and goodwill associated with the franchise system.