Can a Bambu franchisee register any of the Bambu marks as part of a domain name on the Internet?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Except as permitted in the FRC Materials, Franchisee shall not use any of the Marks as part of an electronic mail address, or on any sites on the Internet and Franchisee shall not use or register any of the Marks as part of a domain name on the Internet.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–209)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bambu Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is generally prohibited from using or registering any of Bambu's marks as part of a domain name on the Internet. The FDD states that the franchisee acknowledges Bambu's sole ownership and control of the "BAMBŪ® " service mark and other marks. The franchisee's rights to use these marks are limited to the operation of their Bambu shop as governed by the franchise agreement.
Specifically, the FDD states that franchisees cannot use any of the marks as part of an email address or on any websites, nor can they register the marks as part of a domain name, except as permitted in the FRC (Franchise Resource Center) Materials. This restriction ensures that Bambu maintains control over its brand and online presence.
This provision is typical in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their trademarks and brand identity. By preventing franchisees from using the marks in domain names, Bambu can ensure consistency and prevent potential misuse or customer confusion. A prospective franchisee should carefully review the FRC Materials to understand any exceptions to this rule and ensure they comply with Bambu's branding guidelines.