When using the 7 Brew Marks, what notices of independent ownership must a franchisee display?
7_Brew Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
trademarks and service marks we periodically authorize you to use. You may not at any time during or after the Term contest or assist any other person to contest the validity, or our (or our licensor's) ownership, of the Marks.
B. Limitations on Use of Marks
You agree to use the Marks as the Store's sole identification, subject to the notices of independent ownership we periodically designate. You may not use any Mark (i) as part of any corporate or legal business name, (ii) with any prefix, suffix, or other modifying words, terms, designs, or symbols (other than logos we license to you), (iii) in selling any unauthorized products or services, (iv) in connection with any Digital Marketing, or in any user name, screen name, or profile in connection with any Social Media sites, without our consent or, if applicable, without complying with our Brand Standards communicated to you, or (v) in any other manner we have not expressly authorized in writing. You may not use any Mark to advertise the transfer, sale, or other disposition of the Store or an ownership interest in you without our prior written consent, which we will not unreasonably withhold. You must give the notices of trademark and service mark registrations we periodically specify and obtain any fictitious- or assumed-name registrations that applicable Law requires.
You must include a clear disclaimer in all of the Store's employee-facing materials that you (and only you) are the employer of Store employees and that we, as the franchisor of 7 BREW Stores, and our affiliates are not their employer and do not engage in any employer-type activities for which only franchisees are responsible, such as employee selection, promotion, termination, hours worked, rates of pay, other benefits, work assigned, discipline, adjustment of grievances and complaints, and working conditions. You also must obtain an acknowledgment from all Store employees that you (and not we or our affiliates) are their employer.
**C.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 82–83)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 7 Brew Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must use the 7 Brew Marks as the store's sole identification, but with specific notices of independent ownership that 7 Brew will periodically designate. Franchisees must place notices of independent ownership at the store and on forms, business cards, stationery, advertising, emails, and other materials that 7 Brew requires.
7 Brew franchisees must include a clear disclaimer in all employee-facing materials stating that the franchisee is the employer of the store's employees, and that 7 Brew, as the franchisor, is not the employer and does not engage in employer-type activities. These activities include employee selection, promotion, termination, hours worked, rates of pay, other benefits, work assigned, discipline, adjustment of grievances and complaints, and working conditions. Franchisees must also obtain an acknowledgment from all store employees that the franchisee (and not 7 Brew) is their employer.
These requirements ensure clarity regarding the employer-employee relationship and help to protect 7 Brew from potential liabilities related to employment matters at the franchised locations. This is a common practice in franchising to clearly delineate the roles and responsibilities of the franchisor and franchisee, especially concerning employment-related legal obligations.