Is an Aw franchisee permitted to register any Mark in any forum?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 7.2 Limitations On Your Use of Marks. You agree to use the Marks as the sole identification of your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, except that you must display at your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, in a form we prescribe, notices identifying yourself as the independent owner of your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant pursuant to a Franchise Agreement with us. You may not use or register any Mark as part of any corporate or trade name or with any prefix, suffix or other modifying words, terms, designs or symbols (other than logos and additional trademarks and service marks licensed to you under this Agreement), or in any modified form. You may not apply to register or register any Mark in any forum.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 39–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from registering any of Aw's marks in any forum. The franchise agreement states that franchisees cannot use or register any Mark as part of their corporate or trade name, or with any modifications, without express written authorization from Aw. This restriction is in place to protect Aw's brand identity and ensure consistent use of its trademarks.
This restriction extends to online activities as well. Aw franchisees are not allowed to obtain domain names or URL addresses that incorporate Aw's marks. They also cannot create or use their own websites on the internet using any of Aw's marks without prior written consent. Furthermore, franchisees need written permission to reference or associate with Aw's marks on any social media site, blog, or other online venue.
These strict controls over the use and registration of Aw's marks are typical in franchising. Franchisors like Aw need to maintain tight control over their brand to ensure uniformity and protect their intellectual property. Franchisees must adhere to these guidelines and use the marks only in the manner prescribed by Aw, as detailed in the franchise agreement and operations manual.