Technology fee
A periodic charge billed to franchisees for access to the network’s proprietary platform: business software, website, and production tools. Distinct from brand royalties, it follows its own cost logic and billing structure.
In practice
The legitimacy of a technology fee depends on real substance: a platform that is genuinely maintained, updated, and supported. In a network built around a proprietary engine, the fee naturally flows to the group’s technology entity — a clean intra-group transfer that may qualify for favourable software-income treatment under the IP Box regime. Billed as a fixed monthly amount, it provides the franchisor with predictable recurring revenue.