What kind of name registrations must a Sonesta Simply Suites franchisee obtain?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Franchisee hereby assigns to Franchisor all websites, domain names, homepages, e-mail addresses, social media accounts, usernames, other online presence, or presence on any electronic, virtual, or digital medium of any kind (each an "Online Presence") associated with Franchisor's trademarks and service marks and used from time to time in connection with the operation of the Franchised Business at the address provided above. This Assignment is for collateral purposes only and, except as specified herein, Franchisor shall have no liability or obligation of any kind whatsoever arising from or in connection with this Assignment, unless Franchisor shall notify the companies managing the Online Presences (the "Service Providers") and Franchisee's Internet service provider ("ISP") to effectuate the assignment pursuant to the terms hereof.
Upon termination or expiration of the Franchise Agreement (without extension), Franchisor shall have the right and is hereby empowered to effectuate the assignment of the Online Presences. In such event, Franchisee shall have no further right, title, or interest in the Online Presences, and shall remain liable to the Service Providers and the ISP for all past due fees owing to the Service Providers and the ISP on or before the effective date of the assignment hereunder.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for Sonesta Simply Suites specifies that franchisees must assign to the franchisor all online presences associated with the franchisor's trademarks and service marks. This includes websites, domain names, homepages, email addresses, social media accounts, usernames, and any other online presence used in connection with the operation of the franchised business.
This assignment serves as collateral for the franchisor, but Sonesta Simply Suites typically does not assume any liability or obligation related to these online presences unless they notify the service providers managing the online presences and the franchisee's Internet service provider (ISP) to effectuate the assignment. The franchisee remains responsible for any past due fees owed to the service providers and the ISP up to the date of the assignment.
Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, Sonesta Simply Suites has the right to fully effectuate the assignment of these online presences. At that point, the franchisee loses all rights, titles, and interests in the online presences. This ensures that Sonesta Simply Suites maintains control over its brand's online identity and presence, even after a franchise agreement ends.