What designation must Augusta Lawn Care franchisees include on all materials containing proprietary marks?
Augusta_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
While you are not obligated to spend on local advertising, if you do, you must submit to us, for our approval, all media and materials to be used for local advertising, unless the media and/or materials have been approved before or unless we provided the materials to you. All materials containing our proprietary marks must include the designation service mark SM, trademark ™, registered trademark ®, copyright ©, or any other designation we specify. If you do not receive written or oral approval of any materials submitted within 30 days from the date we receive the materials, the materials are disapproved. We may require you to withdraw and/or discontinue the use of any promotional materials or advertising, even if previously approved. We must make this requirement in writing, and you have 5 days after receipt of our notice to withdraw and/or discontinue use of the materials or advertising. Your submission of advertising for our approval does not affect your right to determine the prices at which you sell your services.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 21–27)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Augusta Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must include specific designations on all materials that feature the company's proprietary marks. These designations include service mark SM, trademark ™, registered trademark ®, copyright ©, or any other designation that Augusta Lawn Care specifies. This requirement applies to all advertising and marketing materials used by the franchisee.
Before using any local advertising, franchisees must submit all media and materials to Augusta Lawn Care for approval, unless the materials have been previously approved or provided by the company. If approval is not received within 30 days, the materials are considered disapproved. Augusta Lawn Care retains the right to require franchisees to withdraw or discontinue the use of any promotional materials or advertising, even if previously approved, provided they give written notice and five days to comply.
This level of oversight is common in franchising to protect the brand's image and ensure consistent messaging. By mandating specific designations and approval processes, Augusta Lawn Care aims to maintain control over how its brand is represented in the marketplace. Franchisees should be aware of these requirements and factor in the time needed for approval when planning their local advertising efforts. Failing to comply with these guidelines could result in the need to withdraw or discontinue marketing materials, potentially disrupting local advertising campaigns.