After termination, can I use marks confusingly similar to Augusta Lawn Care's marks?
Augusta_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You shall immediately and permanently stop using the Marks or any confusingly similar marks, the System, or any advertising, signs, stationery, or forms that bear identifying marks or colors that might give others the impression that You are operating an Augusta Lawn Care Business, You shall refrain from any statement or action that might give others the impression that You are or ever were affiliated with the Augusta Lawn Care Franchise Network.
- (e) You shall promptly sign any documents and take any steps that, in the judgment of Augusta Lawn Care, are necessary to delete Your listings from classified telephone directories, disconnect, or, at Augusta Lawn Care's option, assign the Augusta Lawn Care all telephone numbers that have been used in the Augusta Lawn Care Business, and terminate all other references that indicate You are or ever were affiliated with Augusta Lawn Care or an Augusta Lawn Care Business.
By signing this Agreement, You irrevocably appoint Augusta Lawn Care as Your attorney-infact to take the actions described in this paragraph if You do not do so Yourself within seven (7) days after termination of this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 44–184)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Augusta Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, after the termination of the franchise agreement, a franchisee is explicitly prohibited from using the Augusta Lawn Care marks or any marks that could be confusingly similar to them. This restriction is in place to protect the brand's identity and prevent any potential confusion among customers.
Specifically, the franchisee must immediately and permanently cease using the Marks, the System, or any advertising, signs, stationery, or forms that bear identifying marks or colors that might give the impression that they are still operating an Augusta Lawn Care Business. Furthermore, franchisees must avoid any statements or actions that could lead others to believe they are still affiliated with the Augusta Lawn Care franchise network.
To ensure compliance, the franchisee is required to sign documents and take necessary steps to remove their listings from classified telephone directories, disconnect or assign telephone numbers used for the Augusta Lawn Care Business to Augusta Lawn Care, and terminate any references indicating a past or present affiliation with Augusta Lawn Care. Failure to comply with these requirements grants Augusta Lawn Care the authority to act as the franchisee's attorney-in-fact to carry out these actions. These measures are designed to completely sever the franchisee's association with the brand and prevent any misuse of Augusta Lawn Care's intellectual property after the agreement ends.