Garmap GPS Inc. Is a Canadian supplier of geospatial positioning hardware and software that can be easily added to handheld equipment, applications and websites. The company has been awarded patents on its hardware in Canada, the U.S. And the EU. The company also has proprietary software that has a distinct advantage over its competitors. Currently the company has customers in Canada and the United States, but it is experiencing cashflow issues because it has expanded its workforce rapidly.

Recently they were approached by an entrepreneur in the UK, who wants to open an office in London under the name Garmap GPS PLC to serve the EU market. Could a franchise relationship be used for this purpose?
a. No, because franchises can only be used for restaurants and other branded chains where the company has significant brand recognition and an existing roster of successful satellite operations
b. No, because the company does not have EU registered intellectual property protection on its software so a franchise relationship would not be possible
c. No, franchises require a significant investment of cash by the franchisor so it would not be a workable market entry strategy in this situation
d. Yes, a franchise agreement would generate positive cashflow for Garmap GPS Inc. And would allow the company to earn a revenue stream from their EU patents