What trademark identifies the full-line retail grocery convenience store operated by Aplus franchisees?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
WHEREAS, Franchisor and its Affiliate have developed, and are in the process of further developing, a System relating to the establishment and operation of a full-line retail grocery convenience store that offers fast foods, prepackaged foods, beverages, sundries, and other convenience store goods identified principally by the trademark APLUS, the "Franchised Business"; and
Franchisee shall operate the Franchised Business so that it is clearly identified and advertised as an APLUS Store. Franchisee shall use the trademark "APLUS" and the other Marks which now or hereafter may form a part of the System, on all signs, suppliers, business cards, uniforms, advertising materials, Technology platforms, signs and other articles in the identical combination and manner as the Franchisor may prescribe in writing and Franchisee shallsupply to the Franchisorsamples and photographs of the same upon Franchisor's request. Franchisee shall comply with all trademark, trade name, service mark and copyright notice marking requirements and Franchisee shall ssupply to the Franchisor samples or photographs upon Franchisor's request.
As such, you are authorized and permitted by Sunoco to display certain trademarks owned, controlled, or licensed by Sunoco in connection with the sale of Sunoco's branded Motor Fuel and APlus convenience store items from the Premises.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the trademark "APLUS" identifies the full-line retail grocery convenience store operated by Aplus franchisees. The document specifies that franchisees must operate their franchised business so that it is clearly identified and advertised as an APLUS Store.
Aplus franchisees are required to use the APLUS trademark, along with any other marks that form part of the Aplus system, on all signs, suppliers, business cards, uniforms, advertising materials, technology platforms, and other articles. This ensures consistent branding and recognition across all Aplus locations. Franchisees must use these marks in the exact combination and manner prescribed by Aplus in writing and must supply samples and photographs of these items upon request.
The FDD also states that franchisees must comply with all trademark, trade name, service mark, and copyright notice marking requirements. This includes providing samples or photographs to Aplus upon request. Furthermore, if the franchisee also operates a gasoline fueling station, they are authorized to display trademarks owned or licensed by Sunoco in connection with the sale of Sunoco's branded motor fuel and Aplus convenience store items, provided that all marks are displayed as specified by Sunoco.
Overall, the Aplus brand and associated trademarks are central to the franchise system, and franchisees must adhere strictly to the franchisor's guidelines to maintain brand consistency and protect the trademarks. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in a breach of the franchise agreement.