Can a Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisee use any Mark as part of any domain name?
Sonesta_Select_Sonesta_Essential Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You (or your owners) may not use any Mark (1) as part of any corporate or legal business name, (2) with any prefix, suffix, or other modifying words, terms, designs, or symbols (other than logos we have licensed to you), (3) in selling any unauthorized services or products, (4) as part of any domain name, homepage, electronic address, or otherwise in connection with a Website (unless in connection with our approved Franchise System Website), (5) in any user name, screen name, domain name, homepage, electronic address, social media account, other online presence or presence on any electronic, virtual, or digital medium of any kind ("Online Presence"), (6) any business operated separate from your Hotel, including the name or identity of developments adjacent to or associated with your Hotel, or (7) in any other manner that we have not expressly authorized in writing.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 84)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisees are restricted from using any Mark as part of a domain name, with a specific exception. The franchisee cannot use any Mark as part of any domain name unless it is in connection with Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's approved Franchise System Website.
This restriction extends beyond just domain names. Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisees are also prohibited from using any Mark as part of any corporate or legal business name, or with any prefix, suffix, or other modifying words, terms, designs, or symbols (other than logos licensed to them). They also cannot use the Marks in selling any unauthorized services or products, or in any username, screen name, homepage, electronic address, social media account, or other online presence, unless expressly authorized in writing by Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential.
Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential maintains ownership of all rights to each Online Presence. The franchisee must grant Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential access to each Online Presence at any time upon request and take any action to evidence Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's ownership. Upon expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement, the franchisee must transfer all rights and control of any domain name listings and registrations that contain any reference to the Marks, Brand Hotels, or Network Hotels to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential. The franchisee is also responsible for notifying the domain name registrar of the termination of their right to use any domain name associated with the Network Marks and must authorize the cancellation or transfer of the Online Presence to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential.