Can a My Salon Suite franchisee establish their own independent website for the Franchised Business?
My_Salon_Suite Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
During the term of this Franchise Agreement and thereafter, Franchisee agrees not establish, create, traffic in, or operate an Internet site or website using a domain name or uniform resource locator containing any of the Proprietary Marks, including "My Salon Suite" or any portion or variation thereof.
Franchisee agrees and acknowledges that Franchisor, its Affiliate and any licensor of Franchisor or its Affiliate retain the exclusive right to advertise on the Internet and create websites using the "My Salon Suite" name and any other domain name(s) that Franchisor may specify in the Manual or other writing.
Franchisor is the sole owner of all right, title, and interest in and to such domain names, as Franchisor shall designate in the Manual.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 95–230)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to My Salon Suite's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are restricted from establishing their own independent websites using the brand's proprietary marks. Specifically, franchisees cannot create or operate any internet site using a domain name or URL that contains "My Salon Suite" or any variation of it. This restriction is in place both during the term of the Franchise Agreement and afterward.
My Salon Suite retains exclusive rights to advertise online and create websites using the "My Salon Suite" name. The franchisor maintains sole ownership of all rights and interests in domain names designated in the Manual. This policy ensures brand consistency and allows My Salon Suite to control its online presence and marketing strategies.
This restriction is typical in franchising, as franchisors want to maintain a consistent brand image and customer experience across all locations. By centralizing online presence, My Salon Suite can manage its brand reputation, implement effective marketing campaigns, and ensure that customers receive accurate and consistent information. A prospective franchisee should be aware of this restriction and factor it into their business planning, particularly regarding online marketing strategies.