Must an Auntie Annes franchisee display the Marks in a specific manner?

According to Auntie Anne's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must display the brand's Marks in a specific manner. Auntie Anne's designates the Marks that franchisees are allowed to use, and these Marks must be used in compliance with the written rules that Auntie Anne's prescribes.

The franchise agreement specifies that franchisees must display the Marks in the manner that Auntie Anne's specifies on signage at the franchised business. This also applies to forms, advertising, supplies, employee uniforms, business cards, and other materials that Auntie Anne's designates.

This requirement ensures brand consistency across all Auntie Anne's locations, which is a common practice in franchising. Franchisees do not have the freedom to alter or modify the Marks without prior written approval from Auntie Anne's, and this approval can be revoked at any time with reasonable notice. This control helps Auntie Anne's maintain its brand image and protect its trademarks.

Additionally, franchisees cannot use any Mark or similar designations as part of any corporate or legal business name, with prefixes or suffixes, in selling unauthorized services or products, or as part of any domain name or social media account without express written authorization. All materials displaying the Marks are subject to Auntie Anne's prior written approval, reinforcing the franchisor's control over brand representation.