Can I use the HydroDog Marks as part of any domain name I maintain for my HydroDog business?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may not use any Mark or any variation thereof (1) as part of any corporate or legal business name, (2) with any prefix, suffix or other modifying words, terms, designs or symbols (other than logos we have licensed to you), (3) in selling any unauthorized services or products, (4) as part of any domain name, electronic address or search engine you maintain on any website; (5) in any other manner we have not expressly authorized in writing; or (6) that may damage or cause harm to us, our affiliates, the Marks, the System or our principals.
(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.
(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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–166)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to HydroDog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally prohibited from using HydroDog's trademarks as part of any domain name. HydroDog retains significant control over the brand's online presence.
Specifically, the FDD states that franchisees cannot use any HydroDog mark or any variation of it as part of any domain name they maintain. Furthermore, franchisees need written approval from HydroDog to establish or operate any website related to their HydroDog business or using the HydroDog marks. This includes registering domain names or digital identifiers that contain any of the HydroDog marks. If a franchisee is approved to establish a website, they must comply with HydroDog's policies, standards, and specifications for the website's creation, maintenance, and content.
HydroDog also has the exclusive right to establish and maintain a website, managed by HydroDog web designers, to promote the HydroDog marks, products, services, businesses, and the franchise system. HydroDog has sole control over all aspects of this website, including its design, content, functionality, and links. HydroDog may designate web pages within their website to describe a franchisee's HydroDog business, but the franchisee must comply with HydroDog's policies regarding the creation, maintenance, and content of these pages. HydroDog can refuse to post or discontinue any content or web page operation.
These restrictions ensure that HydroDog maintains a consistent brand image and controls the online representation of its franchise system. A prospective franchisee should discuss with HydroDog the specific requirements and approval processes for any online presence they wish to establish for their business.