Is a website owned by a Hydrodog franchisee considered advertising under the agreement?
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, a website owned or maintained by a franchisee for their benefit is considered advertising under the franchise agreement. This means that any such website is subject to Hydrodog's approval, as detailed in the agreement.
Hydrodog maintains control over its brand's online presence. The franchisor has the exclusive right to establish and maintain a website, managing all aspects of it, including design, content, and links. Hydrodog may also designate web pages to describe individual franchisee businesses within their main website.
Franchisees are restricted from creating their own separate websites, mobile applications, or social media accounts related to their Hydrodog business without prior written approval from the company. This includes registering domain names or digital identifiers that use Hydrodog's trademarks. If a franchisee is approved to have a website, it must comply with Hydrodog's policies and standards.