Does Hydrodog have the obligation to establish and maintain a website?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (a) We shall have the exclusive right, but not the obligation, to establish and maintain a Website, which shall be managed by HydroDog web designers and may, without limitation, promote the Proprietary Marks, any or all of the Products or Services, HydroDog businesses, the franchising of HydroDog Businesses, and/or the System. This includes management of the resource center, store, and vendor list. We shall have the sole right to control all aspects of the Website, including without limitation its design, content, functionality, links to the websites of third parties, legal notices, and policies and terms of usage; we shall also have the right to discontinue operation of the website.
- (b) We shall have the right, but not the obligation, to designate one or more web page(s) to describe you and/or your HydroDog Business, with such web page(s) to be located within our Website. You shall comply with our policies with respect to the creation, maintenance and content of any such web pages; and we shall have the exclusive right to refuse to post and/or discontinue posting any content and/or the operation of any web page.
- (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, Hydrodog has the exclusive right, but not the obligation, to establish and maintain a website. This website will be managed by HydroDog's web designers and may promote the company's trademarks, products, services, businesses, franchising opportunities, and the overall HydroDog system. Hydrodog retains complete control over all aspects of the website, including its design, content, functionality, links, legal notices, policies, and terms of usage, and also has the right to discontinue the website's operation.
Hydrodog also has the right, but not the obligation, to designate web pages describing a franchisee's specific HydroDog business within their 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 to post or discontinue any content or web page. This means that while Hydrodog may provide franchisees with a web presence, they are not required to do so and maintain full control over the content.
Furthermore, franchisees are prohibited from creating their own separate websites, mobile applications, digital platforms, social media accounts, or any other online presence related to their HydroDog business or using Hydrodog's trademarks without prior written approval from Hydrodog, which Hydrodog is not obligated to provide. This includes registering domain names or digital identifiers containing Hydrodog's trademarks. If a franchisee is approved to establish a website, they must adhere to Hydrodog's policies, standards, and specifications. Any website owned or maintained by the franchisee is considered advertising and is subject to Hydrodog's approval. This ensures that all online representations of the HydroDog brand are consistent and controlled by the franchisor.