If Kidokinetics requests, must a franchisee purchase or lease the Required Software?
Kidokinetics Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
e a Kidokinetics® franchised business ("Franchised Business") under Franchisor's Marks and System.
- B. One of Franchisee's obligations under the Franchise Agreement is to implement such Computer Systems, including all software and hardware, Franchisor requires.
- C. Franchisor's affiliate has developed the KIDOLINK business management software, for which Franchisor has the contractual right to sublicense, to be utilized by Franchisee in connection with the Franchised Business ("KIDOLINK Software"). The KIDOLINK software provides assistance with the management of client leads and data, sales records and documentation, inventory control, marketing efforts, administrative matters, and customer service for Franchisee and Franchisee's employees.
- D. Franchisor may also, from time to time, whether itself or through its designees develop customized software for Franchisee's use in connection with the Franchised Business ("Customized Software"). Franchisee may, at the discretion of Franchisor, be required to purchase and use the Customized Software. Whether Franchisee is required to, or otherwise elects to, use the Customized Software, Franchisee agrees to abide by the terms of this Agreement with regards to any Customized Software. The KIDOLINK Software and Customized Software will be referred to collectively in this Agreement as the "Proprietary Software."
- E. Guarantors agree to personally, and jointly and severally, guaranty Franchisee's obligations and covenants under this Agreement and to be bound by each provision as though each were the Franchisee.
- F. Now, the parties desire to define the terms and conditions on which Franchisor will grant use of the KIDOLINK Software and Customized Software to Franchisee in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained in this Agreement and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. KIDOLINK SOFTWARE
A. GRANT OF USE
- (a) License Grant. Franchisor grants to Franchisee a personal, limited, non-assignable, non-transferrable, non-exclusive license to use the KIDOLINK Software during the term of the Franchise Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
- (b) No Customization. Franchisor prohibits Franchisee from customizing or authorizing customizations of the KIDOLINK Software
- (c) Scope of Use. Franchisee may use the KIDOLINK Software solely for Franchisee's internal needs in the operation of Franchised Business as a franchisee of Franchisor and will not make the KIDOLINK Software available to or permit the use thereof by any person or entity except to the extent and in the manner permitted under Subsections 1.A.(d) and (e) below.
- (d) Limited Right to Copy. Franchisee may not grant access, copy or allow copies of the KIDOLINK Software or any other proprietary information to be made, except to the extent necessary to exercise the use granted hereby and for back-up and archival purposes.
- (e) No Reverse Engineering or Modifications. Franchisee agrees not to reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble the KIDOLINK Software or any part of the KIDOLINK Software, nor will Franchisee change, modify or create derivative works from the KIDOLINK Software.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 59)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Kidokinetics's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are obligated to use specific computer systems, including software and hardware, as mandated by Kidokinetics. Franchisees are granted a sublicense to use the KIDOLINK business management software, which aids in managing client data, sales records, inventory, marketing, and customer service. Kidokinetics may also develop customized software for franchisees, and franchisees may be required to purchase and use this customized software at Kidokinetics's discretion. Both the KIDOLINK software and any customized software are collectively referred to as "Proprietary Software."
Franchisees must acquire the necessary computer hardware to implement the Proprietary Software and adhere to all specifications and standards set by Kidokinetics, as detailed in the Franchise Operations Manual. Franchisees must also agree to sign Kidokinetics's current software license agreement for any Proprietary Software, pay associated license fees, and upgrade the software as directed by Kidokinetics. Furthermore, franchisees are required to participate in any system-wide computer network implemented by Kidokinetics and may be required to use it for various purposes, including submitting reports, accessing the Franchise Operations Manual, downloading advertising materials, and communicating with Kidokinetics and other franchisees.
Franchisees are responsible for all technology-related fees and expenses, including the costs of computer hardware and software, internet access, license fees, help desk fees, and website-related fees. They must also maintain adequate hardware and software to access the internet at the speed required by Kidokinetics and maintain an electronic mail account with an acceptable internet service provider. Overall, Kidokinetics retains significant control over the technology used in the franchise, and franchisees must comply with these requirements and bear the associated costs.