Can Pump It Up designate the form and content of a franchisee's website?
Pump_It_Up Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may not use the Marks as part of any internet domain name, email address, social media account or other profile name, or in any way relating to the operation of any website or any account without our prior written consent. We may grant or withhold our consent in our sole discretion, or we may condition our consent on such requirements as we deem appropriate, including, among other things, that you obtain our prior written approval of: (1) any and all internet domain names and URLs related to the Franchised Business; (2) the proposed form and content (including any visible and non-visible content such as metatags) of any website related to the Franchised Business; (3) your use of any hyperlinks or other links; (4) your use of any materials (including text, video clips, photographs, images and sound bites) in which any third party has an ownership interest; and (5) any proposed modification of your website. We may designate the form and content of your website and/or require that any such website be hosted by us or a third party designated by us, using one or more websites that we own and/or control. In addition, we may require you to establish hyperlinks to our website or another website designated by us. We may charge you a fee for developing, reviewing, and approving your website and/or for hosting the website.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 43–45)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Pump It Up's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain prior written consent from Pump It Up to operate any website related to the franchised business. Pump It Up has the right to grant or withhold consent for the use of the marks in domain names, email addresses, social media accounts, or website operation. This consent may be conditioned on the franchisee obtaining prior written approval from Pump It Up regarding internet domain names and URLs, the form and content of the website, the use of hyperlinks, the use of third-party materials, and any proposed website modifications.
Pump It Up retains the authority to designate the form and content of a franchisee's website. They can also require that the website be hosted by Pump It Up or a third party that they designate, potentially using websites that Pump It Up owns or controls. Additionally, Pump It Up can mandate that franchisees establish hyperlinks to their website or another designated website.
Pump It Up may charge franchisees a fee for developing, reviewing, and approving their website, as well as for hosting the website. This level of control over a franchisee's online presence is common in franchising, as it allows the franchisor to maintain brand consistency and ensure compliance with marketing standards. Prospective franchisees should factor in these potential costs and restrictions when evaluating the Pump It Up franchise opportunity.