Can a franchisee of All Dogs Unleashed use the marks in any manner they choose?
All_Dogs_Unleashed Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Marks in any manner material to you.
You may use only the Marks that we designate, must use them only in the manner that we authorize and permit, and must use them with the symbols, "® ", "™", or "SM", as appropriate. You may use the Marks only in connection with the operation and promotion of the Franchised Business, and only in the manner we prescribe. You may not contest ownership or validity of the Marks or any registration of the Marks, or our right to use or to sublicense the use of the Marks. You must sign all documents that we require in order to protect the Marks and to maintain their validity and enforceability.
You may not use the Marks or any part of the Marks in your corporate name and may not use them to incur any obligation or indebtedness on our behalf.
You may not use the Marks or any part or derivative of the Marks on the Internet, except as expressly permitted in writing. This prohibition includes use of the Marks or any derivative of the Marks as part of any URL or domain name, as well as their registration 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 must promptly notify us of any suspected unauthorized use of, or any challenge to the validity of the Marks or Copyrighted Works (defined in Item 14 below), or any challenge to our ownership of, or license to use and to license others to use, or your right to use, the Marks or Copyrighted Works.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 27–28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Dogs Unleashed's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are significantly restricted in how they can use the brand's trademarks. All Dogs Unleashed designates the specific marks that franchisees are allowed to use, and they must be used only in the manner that All Dogs Unleashed authorizes and permits. Furthermore, franchisees must use the appropriate symbols, such as "®", "™", or "SM", with the marks. The trademarks can only be used in connection with the operation and promotion of the franchised business, and only in the manner prescribed by All Dogs Unleashed. Franchisees cannot contest the ownership or validity of the marks.
All Dogs Unleashed franchisees are prohibited from using the marks, or any part of them, in their corporate name or to incur any obligation or indebtedness on behalf of All Dogs Unleashed. The FDD also states that franchisees cannot use the marks or any derivative of the marks on the Internet, except as expressly permitted in writing. This includes using the marks in any URL or domain name, as well as registering them as part of any username on gaming or social networking websites, or in any unauthorized email address.
All Dogs Unleashed retains the right to create new, modified, or replacement marks and require franchisees to use them in place of or in addition to previously designated marks. Franchisees must comply with such directives at their own expense within 60 days of receiving written notice of the change. These stipulations are typical in franchising, as franchisors need to protect and control their brand identity.
It is important for a prospective All Dogs Unleashed franchisee to understand these trademark usage rules, as non-compliance can result in a breach of the franchise agreement. Franchisees should seek clarification from All Dogs Unleashed regarding any specific usage scenarios not explicitly covered in the FDD to ensure they remain in compliance.