What is the meaning of 'Marks' in relation to the Antioch Pizza Shop franchise?
Antioch_Pizza_Shop Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- A. Franchisor has established a method and system for the development and operation of Antioch Pizza Shop™ restaurants (each, a "Restaurant"), which includes, without limitation: the mark Antioch Pizza Shop™, and related names, trademarks, service marks, logos, copyrights, designs, emblems, slogans, commercial symbols and other indicia and associated goodwill now or hereafter designated for use by Franchisor in connection with the System and any and all revisions, modifications and additions thereto, whether or not recorded or registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any other local, state, federal or foreign agency, registrar or body (the "Marks"); distinctive building designs, decor, color schemes and trade dress and signage; an operations manual incorporating required standards, procedures, policies, and techniques; secret food recipes; and advertising, marketing, and promotional programs (the "System").
- B. Franchisor desires to grant to Franchisee, and Franchisee desires to obtain from Franchisor, the right to establish and operate a single Restaurant using the Marks in accordance with the System.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 56–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for Antioch Pizza Shop, the term "Marks" encompasses the brand's identifiers and associated goodwill. These include the Antioch Pizza Shop trademark itself, along with related names, trademarks, service marks, logos, copyrights, designs, emblems, slogans, commercial symbols, and other identifiers. These marks are designated for use by Antioch Pizza Shop in connection with its System, including any revisions, modifications, and additions, regardless of whether they are officially registered.
For a prospective Antioch Pizza Shop franchisee, understanding the scope of the "Marks" is crucial because it defines the intellectual property they are licensed to use. This license is central to operating a franchise under the Antioch Pizza Shop brand. The agreement specifies that franchisees are granted the right to use these Marks solely in the operation of their Restaurant, emphasizing adherence to the standards and policies associated with the System.
Antioch Pizza Shop retains specific rights regarding the use of the Marks. They can use the Marks for purposes other than operating a full-service restaurant, such as for online commerce or through alternative distribution channels. They can also license others to offer Antioch Pizza Shop branded menu items in restaurants not operated under the Marks. These stipulations highlight that while franchisees have the right to use the Marks within the scope of their franchise, Antioch Pizza Shop maintains control over broader usage and distribution of its brand assets.