Does the Beggars Pizza franchisor's affiliates retain the right to use the Proprietary Marks?

According to the 2025 Beggars Pizza Franchise Disclosure Document, Beggars Pizza and its affiliates retain the rights to use the Proprietary Marks. Specifically, Beggars Pizza and its affiliates have and retain the rights, without limitation, to (a) use the Proprietary Marks in connection with selling products and services, (b) grant other licenses for the Proprietary Marks, (c) develop and establish other systems using the Proprietary Marks, similar proprietary marks, or any other proprietary marks, and (d) grant licenses thereto without providing any rights to the franchisee.

This means that even though a franchisee is granted a license to use the Beggars Pizza Proprietary Marks, Beggars Pizza retains broad rights to use those same marks. This includes the right to sell products and services under those marks, license others to do the same, and even develop other systems using the same or similar marks.

For a prospective franchisee, this clause highlights that the license to use the Proprietary Marks is non-exclusive. Beggars Pizza can use the marks in any way they see fit, including in ways that might compete with an existing franchisee. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as franchisors need to maintain control over their brand and have the flexibility to adapt their business model as needed. However, it is important for franchisees to understand that their rights to the Proprietary Marks are limited and subject to the franchisor's overriding control.