Does Hydrodog have the right to discontinue operation of the 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 retains the exclusive right, but not the obligation, to establish and maintain a website. Hydrodog manages the website through its web designers and can promote the brand's trademarks, products, services, businesses, franchising opportunities, and the overall system. This also includes managing the resource center, store, and vendor list.
Hydrodog maintains complete control over all aspects of the website, including its design, content, functionality, links to third-party websites, legal notices, policies, and terms of usage. Importantly, Hydrodog also has the explicit right to discontinue the operation of the website entirely.
For a prospective franchisee, this means Hydrodog can shut down the website at any time. Franchisees do not have control over the website. Franchisees are also restricted from creating their own websites or online presence related to Hydrodog without prior written approval from Hydrodog. This includes social media accounts and online marketplace listings. Any approved franchisee website is subject to Hydrodog's policies and advertising approval processes.