Is written approval required from Hydrodog for all advertising and promotional plans and materials?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(b) the Cooperative must be organized for the exclusive purpose of administering marketing programs; developing, subject to our approval, standardized promotional materials for the members' use in Local Advertising within the Cooperative's area;
12.9 Local Advertising Expenditures. In addition to any Marketing Funds set forth herein, you may, but are not required to, conduct advertising for the HydroDog Business in your Territory ("Local Advertising"), provided that all such advertising is in compliance with our standards and has been approved by us in writing. If you choose to conduct Local Advertising, you shall submit to us within thirty (30) days of our request, advertising expenditure reports accurately reflecting your Local Advertising expenditures, including verification copies of all advertising and any other information that we require.
You shall not advertise or use the Marks in any fashion on the Internet or via other means of advertising through telecommunication without our express written consent.
(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.
(d) You are not permitted to promote your HydroDog Business or use any of the Marks in any manner on any social or networking websites, such as Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter, without our prior written consent.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–166)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain written approval from Hydrodog for advertising and promotional materials in several instances. Specifically, if a local advertising cooperative is established, any standardized promotional materials developed by the cooperative for local advertising require Hydrodog's approval. Additionally, if a franchisee chooses to conduct local advertising, it must comply with Hydrodog's standards and receive written approval. Franchisees are also prohibited from using the internet or other telecommunication advertising methods without express written consent from Hydrodog.
Hydrodog maintains control over the brand's online presence. Franchisees cannot establish or maintain any separate website, mobile application, social media account, or other online presence related to their Hydrodog business without prior written approval from Hydrodog. Even if a franchisee is approved to establish a website, it is considered advertising and remains subject to Hydrodog's approval. Similarly, franchisees need prior written consent to promote their Hydrodog business or use any of the brand's marks on social media or networking websites.
These requirements ensure that Hydrodog maintains consistent brand standards and marketing strategies across all franchise locations and online platforms. This level of control is typical in franchising, allowing the franchisor to protect its brand image and ensure that all advertising aligns with its overall marketing objectives. A prospective franchisee should carefully review Section 9.4, as referenced in the FDD, to understand the specific procedures for submitting advertising and promotional materials for approval.