Regarding online presence, what rights does Sonesta Simply Suites retain?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We will own the rights to each Online Presence. At our request, you must grant us access to each Online Presence and take whatever action we request to prove that we own each Online Presence or help us obtain exclusive administrative rights in such Online Presence.
Upon the expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement, you must irrevocably assign and transfer to us (or to our designee) all of your right, title and interest in any domain name listings and registrations and other Online Presence which contain any references to the Network Marks or any of the Network Brands, and must notify the applicable domain name registrar(s) or other third party of the termination of your right to use any domain name or Online Presence associated with the Network Marks or any of the Network Brands, and will authorize and instruct the cancellation or transfer of the Online Presence to us (or our designee), as directed by us. You also must delete all references to the Network Marks and any of the Network Brands from any other Online Presence you own, maintain, or operate beyond the expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 48–60)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sonesta Simply Suites retains ownership of all rights to each Online Presence. As a franchisee, you must grant Sonesta Simply Suites access to each Online Presence at their request. You must also take any action requested by Sonesta Simply Suites to prove their ownership or help them obtain exclusive administrative rights. This includes websites, social media accounts, and other digital platforms used to represent the hotel.
Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, you are obligated to transfer all rights and interests in any domain names, listings, registrations, and other Online Presences that contain references to the Network Marks or Network Brands to Sonesta Simply Suites (or their designee). Additionally, you must notify the relevant domain name registrars or other third parties about the termination of your right to use any domain name or Online Presence associated with the Network Marks or Network Brands. You will also need to authorize and instruct the cancellation or transfer of the Online Presence as directed by Sonesta Simply Suites.
Furthermore, you must delete all references to the Network Marks and any of the Network Brands from any other Online Presence you own, maintain, or operate after the franchise agreement expires or terminates. This ensures that Sonesta Simply Suites maintains complete control over its brand and online representation, even after a franchise relationship ends. These stipulations are typical in franchising to protect brand consistency and integrity across all franchise locations.