Can the Mr. Sandless 'System' be further developed by the Company?
Mr_Sandless Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We shall own and have the exclusive right to use and incorporate in the System, for the benefit of other franchisees, us and our affiliates, any modifications, changes and improvements (collectively, "improvements") to the System, in whole or in part, developed or discovered by you, your principals or your employees or agents in connection with the System or the operation of a Business, without any liability or obligation to you. This includes, but is not limited to, discoveries or development of products, systems or techniques, management practices or procedures, architectural designs and philosophies and names or groups of words relating to the System or describing the services offered by Mr. Sandless Businesses. You acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Section 11.8 permits you to test, introduce, provide, or otherwise offer any Improvements to customers, or use any Improvement in the operation of the Franchised Business, unless and until Franchisor consents to the use of the Improvement for such purpose.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Mr. Sandless Franchise Disclosure Document, Mr. Sandless retains the exclusive right to incorporate any modifications, changes, and improvements to the System, regardless of whether these improvements are developed or discovered by the franchisee, their employees, or agents. This includes discoveries or development of products, systems or techniques, management practices or procedures, architectural designs and philosophies and names or groups of words relating to the System.
This means that while franchisees may innovate and improve their Mr. Sandless business, the benefits of those innovations ultimately accrue to the franchisor and the entire Mr. Sandless franchise system. The franchisee is not entitled to any compensation or recognition for these improvements.
Furthermore, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from testing or introducing any improvements to customers or using them in their franchised business until Mr. Sandless gives consent. This ensures that all changes to the Mr. Sandless system are controlled and approved by the franchisor, maintaining uniformity and quality across all franchise locations. This clause underscores the importance of adhering to the franchisor's standards and procedures, as any deviation requires prior approval.