What is The N2 Company's obligation regarding the renewal of Belocal's trademark registrations?

According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, The N2 Company, an affiliate, owns several trademarks used with Belocal publications. The N2 Company has registered some of these marks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and has applied for registration for others. The N2 Company intends to renew the registrations and file all appropriate affidavits for these marks at the appropriate times, as required by law. The N2 Company has filed the required affidavit and renewed the N2 PUBLISHING trademark.

For a prospective Belocal franchisee, this means that The N2 Company is responsible for maintaining the trademarks associated with the Belocal brand. This includes renewing registrations and filing necessary paperwork with the USPTO. The fact that N2 Publishing has already renewed at least one trademark suggests they are actively managing their trademark portfolio.

However, Belocal is not obligated to protect a franchisee's rights to use the marks or protect them against claims of infringement or unfair competition. Additionally, Belocal is not obligated to participate in a franchisee's defense or indemnify them for expenses or damages if they are party to an administrative or judicial proceeding involving the marks. Franchisees must notify Belocal immediately of any trademark infringements or challenges to the use of any marks. Belocal has the sole discretion, but not the obligation, to take any action it deems appropriate and the right to exclusively control any litigation arising out of any alleged infringement.