In which geographic areas does SCH have the exclusive license to use and sublicense trademarks for Atwell Suites?
Atwell_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Certain trademarks associated with the hotel brand disclosed in this disclosure document are owned by SCH's affiliate, Six Continents Limited ("SCL"). Pursuant to various license agreements, SCL has granted SCH the exclusive license in the United States, United States territories and Canada to use and sublicense use of all such trademarks (the "SCL License Agreements"). SCL's principal business address is in the United Kingdom at 1 Windsor Dials, Arthur Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1RS.
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 8–14)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Atwell Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Six Continents Hotels, Inc. (SCH) holds the exclusive license to use and sublicense trademarks associated with the Atwell Suites hotel brand in the United States, United States territories, and Canada. This exclusive license is granted to SCH by its affiliate, Six Continents Limited (SCL), through various license agreements referred to as the "SCL License Agreements."
For a prospective Atwell Suites franchisee, this means that SCH is the sole entity authorized to grant franchise rights for the brand within the specified geographic areas. Franchisees operating in the United States, its territories, and Canada will be contracting with SCH for the right to use the Atwell Suites trademarks and operate under the brand's system. This arrangement ensures consistency and control over the brand's image and standards within these regions.
It is important to note that while SCH holds the exclusive license in these areas, the ultimate ownership of the trademarks resides with SCL. This type of licensing structure is common in franchising, where a parent company or affiliate owns the intellectual property and grants usage rights to a subsidiary for franchising purposes. Franchisees should be aware of this relationship and understand that their rights are ultimately derived from the agreement between SCL and SCH.