Can an All Dogs Unleashed franchisee register the Marks as part of a username on social media?
All_Dogs_Unleashed Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
orporate name, and may not use them to incur any obligation or indebtedness on Franchisor's behalf.
- 7.4. Restriction Against Use of the Marks and Copyrighted Works on the Internet and in Social Media. You may not use the Marks or any part or derivative thereof or any of Franchisor's Copyrighted Works on the Internet, except as expressly permitted in writing. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, you may not use the Marks or any part or derivative of the Marks as part of any URL or domain name, and may not register as part of any username on any gaming website or social networking website (such as FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, or X) or as part of any unauthorized email address. You also may not display on any website (including commercial websites, gaming websites, and social networking websites) any of the Marks or Copyrighted Works or any collateral materials reflecting any Marks or Copyrighted Works.
- 7.5. Notice.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 49–158)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Dogs Unleashed's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly restricted from using the brand's trademarks in certain online contexts. Specifically, franchisees cannot use the Marks, or any part or derivative of them, as part of any URL or domain name. Furthermore, they are prohibited from registering any part of the Marks as part of a username on any gaming website or social networking website, including platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X, or as part of any unauthorized email address. This restriction is in place to protect the brand's identity and prevent unauthorized or misleading online representations.
This policy has significant implications for prospective All Dogs Unleashed franchisees. It means that when setting up online profiles or digital marketing campaigns, franchisees must avoid incorporating the All Dogs Unleashed name or logo in their usernames, domain names, or unauthorized email addresses. This is a common practice in franchising, as franchisors need to maintain tight control over their brand's online presence to ensure consistency and prevent misuse. Franchisees must be creative in developing alternative online identities that comply with these restrictions while still effectively promoting their local All Dogs Unleashed franchise.
Moreover, the FDD states that franchisees cannot display any of the Marks or Copyrighted Works on any website, including commercial, gaming, and social networking sites, or any collateral materials reflecting the Marks or Copyrighted Works. This further limits the franchisee's ability to use the brand's intellectual property online, even in visual formats. Franchisees are also required to identify themselves as independent franchise owners of the Franchised Business in conjunction with any use of the Marks or operation of the Franchised Business, including on contracts, invoices, receipts, business stationery, business cards, and at conspicuous locations at the Facility.
In summary, All Dogs Unleashed franchisees face strict limitations on how they can use the brand's Marks online. They must be careful to adhere to these guidelines to avoid violating the franchise agreement and potentially facing legal consequences. Prospective franchisees should carefully review these restrictions and ensure they understand the implications for their online marketing and branding efforts.