What is a franchise?

A franchise is defined as an agreement that permits a company to operate under another's trademark. This business model allows an independent operator, known as a franchisee, to utilize the branding, marketing strategies, and operational systems developed by the franchisor, whose trademark represents a recognized brand in the marketplace. Typically, this relationship includes the payment of fees or royalties and adherence to certain operating standards established by the franchisor, ensuring that the brand's identity and quality are maintained across all franchise locations.

In contrast to the other options, a franchise specifically involves the authorization to use a trademark and the associated business methods of another party. The other scenarios presented do not accurately encapsulate the concept of a franchise. A business exclusively owned by a single individual does not involve the broader trademark relationship seen in franchising. Similarly, corporate governance relates to how a corporation is directed and managed—again, this is distinct from the franchise relationship. Lastly, while sharing resources among businesses can occur in various forms of collaboration, it does not reflect the trademark-based operational licensing inherent to franchising.