If Augusta Lawn Care changes its Trade Name and Marks, what is the franchisee required to do?
Augusta_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Augusta Lawn Care has invested substantial time, energy, and money in the promotion and protection of its Trade Name and Marks as they exist on the Effective Date. However, You and Augusta Lawn Care recognize that rights in intangible property such as the Trade Name and Marks are often difficult to establish and defend, and that changes in the cultural and economic environment within which the System operates or third-party challenges to Augusta Lawn Care rights in the Marks may make changes in the Trade Name and Marks desirable or necessary. Augusta Lawn Care therefore reserves the right to change its Trade Name and Marks (although it has no present intention to do so) and the specifications for each when Augusta Lawn Care believes that such changes will benefit the Franchise Network. Augusta Lawn Care will do this in a manner that minimizes cost to You. You agree that You shall promptly conform, at Your own expense, to any such changes.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 44–184)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Augusta Lawn Care Franchise Disclosure Document, Augusta Lawn Care reserves the right to change its Trade Name and Marks if it believes such changes will benefit the Franchise Network. While Augusta Lawn Care has no present intention to do so, it may become desirable or necessary due to changes in the cultural and economic environment or third-party challenges to Augusta Lawn Care's rights. Augusta Lawn Care states it will try to minimize costs to the franchisee.
If Augusta Lawn Care does change its Trade Name and Marks, the franchisee is required to promptly conform to these changes at their own expense. This means the franchisee will be responsible for covering the costs associated with updating signage, marketing materials, and any other items that display the Trade Name and Marks.
This requirement is fairly standard in franchising, as maintaining a consistent brand image is crucial for franchise systems. However, it's important for prospective Augusta Lawn Care franchisees to consider the potential financial impact of rebranding when evaluating the franchise opportunity. Franchisees should inquire about how often Augusta Lawn Care has changed its branding in the past and what costs franchisees have typically incurred during those changes.