What action must an Aw franchisee take regarding fictitious name registrations related to the Marks after termination or expiration?

According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, franchisees must promptly take action to cancel all fictitious or assumed name, "doing business as," or equivalent registrations related to the use of Aw's marks. This requirement ensures that the franchisee no longer uses names that could associate them with the Aw brand after the agreement ends.

This provision is crucial for protecting Aw's brand identity and preventing confusion in the marketplace. By canceling these registrations, the franchisee severs any official connection between their business operations and the Aw brand. This prevents potential customers from mistakenly believing that the terminated or expired franchise is still part of the Aw system.

For a prospective Aw franchisee, this means understanding that any local business name registrations that include Aw's trademarks must be formally dissolved at the end of the franchise term. This is a standard practice in franchising, as it ensures a clean break and protects the integrity of the franchisor's brand. Franchisees should factor in the administrative effort and potential costs associated with these cancellations when considering the overall obligations of the franchise agreement.