Who bears the expense of discontinuing the use of items bearing Apricot Lane's marks after termination?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FRANCHISEE shall immediately cease and forever refrain from any use of the Designated Mark(s) or any of the Marks or any names or marks confusingly similar thereto. FRANCHISEE shall at its own expense discontinue using any and all items bearing any of the Marks.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 51–222)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for the expenses incurred when discontinuing the use of any items bearing Apricot Lane's marks after the termination or expiration of the franchise agreement. This includes any Designated Marks or other Marks associated with the Apricot Lane system.
This means that upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must immediately stop using all Apricot Lane trademarks and related items. The franchisee is responsible for covering the costs associated with this discontinuation. This could involve removing signage, disposing of branded materials, and any other steps necessary to cease using Apricot Lane's intellectual property.
This requirement is standard in franchising, as it protects the franchisor's brand and ensures consistent brand representation. Franchisees should factor these potential costs into their financial planning, as they can arise unexpectedly if the franchise agreement is terminated early. It is important to understand the full scope of these potential expenses to avoid financial strain at the end of the franchise term.