Is approval required to use the Mark(s) in a domain name or on the Internet for a Southern Steer franchise?

According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain approval from Southern Steer to use the Mark(s) in a domain name or on the Internet. This approval can be withheld at Southern Steer's discretion. This requirement is outlined in Item 13, which covers trademarks and their usage within the franchise system.

This stipulation means that prospective Southern Steer franchisees cannot independently create domain names or online presences using the brand's trademarks without prior authorization. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as franchisors like Southern Steer need to maintain control over their brand's image and online representation to ensure consistency and quality across all franchise locations.

For a potential franchisee, this implies that any plans for online marketing or website development must be reviewed and approved by Southern Steer. While this might seem restrictive, it also protects the franchisee by ensuring that the brand's online presence adheres to established guidelines and avoids potential trademark infringements or misrepresentations. It is important for franchisees to understand these guidelines, which are detailed in the Brand Manual and may be updated periodically.