What specific obligations does a Management Recruiters franchisee have regarding maintaining brand standards (Item 9), and how do these obligations relate to the 'Brand Standards Materials' provided by the franchisor (Item 11)?

7.1. Brand Standards Materials. Franchisor shall provide Franchisee with electronic access to Brand Standards Materials. The Brand Standards Materials are and shall remain, at all times, the property of Franchisor. Franchisee agrees that it will comply with all obligations set forth in the Brand Standards Materials and acknowledges that the Brand Standards Materials may be changed from time to time, in Franchisor's sole and absolute discretion. Franchisee agrees to comply with all changes to the Brand Standards Materials immediately upon publication. Franchisee may not share Brand Standards Materials or access to its online platform with anyone other than employees and managers of the Franchise Business or use them for any other purpose besides the operation of the Franchise Business. Franchisee acknowledges that the Brand Standards Materials are Trade Secrets of Franchisor.

• 18.2. Brand Standards Materials. Franchisee acknowledges that every detail of the Franchise Business's operation as it relates to the MRI brand, the appearance of the business, the quality of the supplies used, and range of services offered is critically important to Franchisor, other MRI franchisees, and to Franchisee's clients and customers. Absent written consent, Franchisee shall devote full time to development of the Franchise Businessin accordance with Franchisor's brand standards. Franchisee shall comply with all mandatory specifications, standards, and operating procedures, regardless of whether these appear in the Brand Standards Materials, or are communicated to Franchisee in writing or by other means, relating, without limitation, to:

  • appearance and decor and standards of services and conduct of the Franchise Business;
  • supplies and suppliers;
  • recommended weekly and daily schedules for providing services to clients;

• image, appearance, and decor of office;

• notices, signs, marketing, and advertising materials;

• type, brand, appearance, cleanliness, sanitation, safety and functioning of the Franchise Business and its fixtures, furnishings, furniture, equipment, décor, and signs, including, but not limited to, computer hardware and software;

• use of standard forms and contracts;

• methods of dealing with customers and potential customers and the labor personnel;

• use of the Marks and use and protection of Trade Secrets;

• preparation and retention of records;

• risk management administration methods for dealing with workers' compensation and unemployment compensation; and

• use of exterior and interior signs, posters, displays and standard formats.

• 9.4. Compliance with Brand Standards Materials. Franchisee agrees to comply with the Brand Standards Materials as modified from time to time, and all directives, rules, and procedures specified by Franchisor, and will, among other things:

  • maintain and operate the Franchise Business in good condition in a proper and businesslike manner;
  • comply with all applicable governmental Laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations, including prompt payment of taxes when due;
  • adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, fair dealing, and ethical conduct in all dealings with other Franchisees, customers, clients, vendors, and Franchisor;
  • employ only qualified individuals who are trained in accordance with Franchisor's standards and who will at all times conduct themselves in a competent and courteous manner in accordance with this Agreement and the image and reputation of the System. Franchisee shall use its best efforts to ensure that its employees render competent and courteous service to all customers and clients. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that poorly trained employees and incompetent or discourteous service are extremely damaging to the goodwill of the System and the Marks and are a material default of this Agreement;
  • prominently display on all marketing materials, websites, and upon any signage or office location the term "A Member of the MRINetwork," or such other term as Franchisor approves, in the manner and form prescribed by Franchisor within thirty (30) days of the execution of this Franchise Agreement;
  • conduct all advertising programs in a dignified manner that will not detract, in Franchisor's sole discretion, from the reputation of the System or the Marks;
  • cease use of any advertising programs or materials within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of written notice from Franchisor to do so;