Can a Hydrodog franchisee establish a separate website without Hydrodog's approval?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (c) You shall not establish, maintain, or operate any separate Website, mobile application, digital platform, social media account, online marketplace listing, or other online presence whatsoever relating to your HydroDog Business or using the Marks (or any variation thereof) without our prior written approval (which we shall not be obligated to provide). This includes, but is not limited to, registering any domain names, usernames, handles, or other digital identifiers that contain any of the Marks or variations thereof. If approved to establish a Website, you shall comply with our policies, standards and specifications with respect to the creation, maintenance and content of any such Website. You specifically acknowledge and agree that any Website owned or maintained by or for your benefit shall be deemed "advertising" under this Agreement, and will be subject to (among other things) our approval under Section 13 below.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–166)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are restricted from establishing any online presence related to their HydroDog business without prior written approval from Hydrodog. This encompasses websites, mobile applications, digital platforms, social media accounts, and online marketplace listings. This restriction extends to registering domain names or digital identifiers that use Hydrodog's trademarks. If Hydrodog approves a franchisee's website, it must adhere to Hydrodog's policies, standards, and specifications. Hydrodog retains the right to manage the brand's online presence, including the main website, its design, content, and links.
Hydrodog also has the right, but not the obligation, to designate web pages to describe the franchisee's HydroDog Business, located within Hydrodog's main website. Franchisees must comply with Hydrodog's policies regarding the creation, maintenance, and content of these pages, and Hydrodog has the right to refuse or discontinue any content or web page. Any website owned or maintained by a franchisee is considered advertising and is subject to Hydrodog's approval.
This policy ensures that Hydrodog maintains control over its brand's image and online representation. It prevents franchisees from creating websites that might not meet Hydrodog's standards or could potentially harm the brand. While franchisees are limited in their ability to create independent websites, Hydrodog may provide them with a web page within the main Hydrodog website to promote their specific business. This approach is common in franchising, where franchisors seek to maintain brand consistency and quality control across all locations.