Can an Angry Chickz franchisee claim ownership of the goodwill associated with the Marks?

According to the 2025 Angry Chickz Franchise Disclosure Document, an Angry Chickz franchisee cannot claim ownership of the goodwill associated with the brand's trademarks. The franchise agreement explicitly states that the franchisee gains no rights, title, or interest in Angry Chickz's trade dress or trademarks. This includes any goodwill that accrues from the use of those marks. Instead, the franchisee is only granted a license to use the trademarks during the term of the agreement, following the specified terms and conditions.

This means that all goodwill generated through the franchisee's operation of the Angry Chickz restaurant, which is linked to the trademarks, becomes the sole and exclusive property of Angry Chickz. This is a standard practice in franchising, as it ensures that the brand maintains control over its image and reputation. The franchisee's efforts in building the business locally contribute to the overall brand equity, but the ownership of that equity remains with the franchisor.

This provision protects the Angry Chickz brand by preventing franchisees from claiming ownership of the brand's reputation and goodwill. It also allows Angry Chickz to maintain consistency and quality across all franchise locations, as all use of the trademarks benefits the company. Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, Angry Chickz can ensure the continued protection of its brand by controlling all associated goodwill.