Dunkin' Brands announced during it quarterly earnings call that it has entered a multi-year deal with merchant mobile wallet provider, CardFree, to secure a perpetual license to the software used to build and operate the mobile ordering and payment platform for Dunkin' Donuts U.S. 

The deal gives Dunkin' greater control to operate the technology that makes mobile payments and ordering possible through  its mobile app. The broad rights received by Dunkin' will also support the development of future digital initiatives, including catering, delivery and curbside pick-up.

Dunkin' has been working with CardFree's leadership for several years to first deploy the Dunkin' mobile app six years ago with a design intended to address the needs of the "on-the-go" customer. The company said that it has had more than 18 million app downloads, while accruing nearly 9 million members in its DD Perks Rewards Program.

"Enabling guests to order and pay remotely is the leading global consumer trend occurring in the retail industry today," Dunkin' Brands CIO Jack Clare, said in a news release about the new deal. "Extending our successful relationship with CardFree and receiving a perpetual license to the code that supports our digital initiatives, including our gift card and DD Perks Loyalty programs, mobile ordering, delivery, and catering, will ensure that we have the best technology backbone in place and will allow us to accelerate our digital efforts."