For Aerus Franchised Businesses located in Minnesota, under what condition will the Company protect the Franchisee's right to use the Marks or indemnify Franchisee from any loss, costs or expenses?

According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for franchised businesses located in Minnesota, Aerus will protect the franchisee's right to use the Marks and indemnify them from any losses, costs, or expenses arising from claims, suits, or demands related to the use of the Marks. However, this protection is conditional. Aerus will only provide this protection if the franchisee is using the Marks as specified in the manuals or as otherwise required by Aerus or its affiliates.

This condition means that franchisees in Minnesota must strictly adhere to Aerus's guidelines and instructions regarding the use of its trademarks. Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in the franchisee losing the protection and indemnification offered by Aerus. This underscores the importance of franchisees thoroughly understanding and following the operational manuals and any directives from Aerus to ensure they remain compliant and protected.

For a prospective Aerus franchisee in Minnesota, this clause offers a degree of security, knowing that Aerus will stand behind them in case of legal challenges related to trademark usage, provided they operate within the established guidelines. However, it also places a significant responsibility on the franchisee to stay informed about and compliant with Aerus's standards for using the Marks. This highlights the need for clear communication and ongoing training from Aerus to ensure franchisees are well-equipped to meet these requirements.