Am I prohibited from using the 7 Brew mark in my legal business name?
7_Brew Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may not use any Mark (in whole or in part) in, or as part of, your legal business name or email address (unless we have provided you that email address) or use any name that is the same as or similar to, or an acronym or abbreviation of, the 7 BREW name (although you may register the "assumed name" or "doing business as" name "7 BREW" in the jurisdictions where you are formed and qualify to do business).
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 82–83)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to 7 Brew's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally prohibited from using the 7 Brew mark in their legal business name. The FDD specifies that franchisees operating as a corporation, limited liability company, or partnership cannot use the 7 Brew mark, in whole or in part, as part of their legal business name. This restriction also extends to email addresses, unless the franchisor provides the email address.
However, the FDD does provide a limited exception. Franchisees are permitted to register the "assumed name" or "doing business as" name "7 Brew" in jurisdictions where they are formed and qualified to do business. This allows franchisees to operate under the 7 Brew name for practical purposes, even though it cannot be part of their formal legal entity name.
This restriction is typical in franchising, as franchisors like 7 Brew need to protect their brand identity and ensure consistent representation across all franchise locations. By controlling the use of their trademarks, 7 Brew can maintain uniformity and prevent potential legal issues that could arise from franchisees using similar or confusing names. Franchisees should ensure they understand these limitations and adhere to the guidelines to avoid violating the franchise agreement.