Is a franchisee of The Standardx allowed to develop a website with 'hyatt' in the domain name?
The_Standardx Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (b) Franchisee may not develop, maintain or authorize any website or other electronic medium (other than the Hotel System Website) that either has the word "hyatt" or any similar word, or any of the Proprietary Marks, as part of its domain name or URL or that accepts reservations for the Hotel (other than through an approved link to a Hotel System Website) or otherwise sells any products or services associated with the Hotel or any of the Proprietary Marks. In addition, except for the Hotel System Website, approved ADS, and as otherwise provided in this Section 5.4, Franchisee may not develop, maintain or authorize any other website, other online presence or other electronic medium that
describes or in any other way promotes the Hotel or displays any of the Proprietary Marks. Franchisee may, with Hyatt's approval (which it will not unreasonably withhold) and subject to compliance with System Standards, authorize any Travel Services Website or Franchisee Organization Website to list and promote the Hotel together with other hotels.
Source: Item 18 — OTHER INCOME (LOSS), NET (FDD pages 187–399)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to The Standardx's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are restricted from using "hyatt" or similar words in their domain names. Specifically, a franchisee cannot develop, maintain, or authorize any website or electronic medium that includes "hyatt" or any similar word as part of its domain name or URL. This restriction extends to using The Standardx's proprietary marks in the domain name as well.
This policy ensures that The Standardx maintains control over its brand identity and prevents customer confusion. It also prevents franchisees from creating websites that might appear to be officially endorsed by The Standardx when they are not. The FDD does allow franchisees to use a Hotel System Website to advertise, market, and promote Brand Hotels, but Hyatt has final say over all information on the website.
While franchisees cannot use "hyatt" in their domain name, they may, with The Standardx's approval (which will not be unreasonably withheld) and compliance with system standards, authorize any Travel Services Website or Franchisee Organization Website to list and promote the hotel together with other hotels. This provides some flexibility for franchisees to market their specific location through approved channels while still adhering to The Standardx's brand standards.