Can a Punch King Fitness franchisee establish their own domain name for their franchise business?
Punch_King_Fitness Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
You may not establish or maintain a domain name, an internet website, or a webpage that relates to or advertises your Punch King Fitness Franchised Business or displays the Marks, as we reserve the exclusive right to control any websites or web pages concerning Punch King Fitness Franchise Businesses and the Marks. You may advertise and promote your Franchised Business via Social Media, which may be comprised of pages, communications, and content located on third-party platforms using the Proprietary Marks as specified by us (collectively, "Franchisee's Social Media"), provided that we are granted administrative access to your Social Media. All uses of Social Media and communication channels and uses must be established in accordance and at all times comply with the Operating Manual and System Standards. We will be the sole owner of all related intellectual property rights of all Social Media and other digital and media accounts and all content posted on Social Media.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 28–35)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Punch King Fitness's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not allowed to establish their own domain name or internet website related to their Punch King Fitness franchise. The franchisor, Punch King Fitness, reserves the exclusive right to control any websites or web pages concerning Punch King Fitness franchise businesses and the Marks.
However, franchisees are permitted to advertise and promote their franchised business via social media platforms, which may include pages, communications, and content on third-party platforms. This is allowed as long as the franchisee is using the Proprietary Marks as specified by Punch King Fitness and grants the franchisor administrative access to their social media accounts.
All uses of social media and communication channels must comply with the Operating Manual and System Standards. Punch King Fitness retains sole ownership of all related intellectual property rights of all Social Media and other digital and media accounts, as well as all content posted on Social Media. This policy ensures that Punch King Fitness maintains control over its brand's online presence and marketing efforts, while still allowing franchisees to engage in social media marketing under specific guidelines.