Does Bens Soft Pretzels specify the form and manner in which the Trademarks must be used?
Bens_Soft_Pretzels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
the use of, any trademarks, trade names or service marks in connection with the Store except those set forth in Schedule B or except as we otherwise direct in writing. You may use the Trademarks only in connection with such products and services as we specify and only in the form and manner we prescribe in writing. You must comply with all trademark, trade name and service mark notice marking requirements. You may use the Trademarks only in association with products and services approved by us and that meet our standards or requirements with respect to quality, mode and condition of storage, production, preparation and sale, and portion and packaging.
C. Store Identification. You must use the name BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS as the trade name of the Store and you may not use any other mark or words to identify the Store without our prior written consent. You may not use any of the words BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS or any of the other Trademarks or any names or words that are substantially similar as part of the name of your corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other similar entity. You may use the Trademarks on various materials, such as business cards, stationery and checks, provided you (i) accurately depict the Trademarks on the materials as we prescribe, (ii) include a statement on the materials indicating that the business is independently owned and operated by you, (iii) do not use the Trademarks in connection with any other trademarks, trade names or service marks unless we specifically approve in writing prior to such use, and (iv) make available to us, upon our request, a copy of any materials depicting the Trademarks. You must post a prominent sign in the Store identifying you as an BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS franchisee in a format we deem reasonably acceptable, including an acknowledgment that you independently own and operate the Store and that the BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS Trademark is owned by us and your use is under a license we have issued to you. All your internal and external signs must comply at all times with our outdoor/indoor guidelines and practices, as they are modified from time to time.
D. Litigation. In the event any person or entity improperly uses or infringes the Trademarks or challenges your use or our use or ownership of the Trademarks, we will control all litigation and we have the right to determine whether suit will be instituted, prosecuted or settled, the terms of settlement and whether any other action will be taken. You must promptly notify us of any such use or infringement of which you are aware or any challenge or claim arising out of your use of any Trademark.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 46–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bens Soft Pretzels Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines regarding the use of the company's trademarks. Franchisees are only allowed to use the trademarks in connection with products and services that Bens Soft Pretzels specifies and only in the form and manner that they prescribe in writing. Franchisees must also comply with all trademark, trade name, and service mark notice marking requirements. The trademarks can only be used in association with products and services approved by Bens Soft Pretzels that meet their standards or requirements with respect to quality, mode and condition of storage, production, preparation and sale, and portion and packaging.
Franchisees must use the name BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS as the trade name of their store and cannot use any other mark or words to identify the store without prior written consent. Similarly, franchisees cannot use any of the words BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS or any other trademarks, or any names or words that are substantially similar, as part of the name of their corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other similar entity. Franchisees can use the trademarks on materials like business cards, stationery, and checks, provided they accurately depict the trademarks as prescribed, include a statement indicating independent ownership, and do not use the trademarks in connection with any other trademarks without written approval.
Bens Soft Pretzels requires franchisees to post a prominent sign in the store identifying them as a franchisee in a format that Bens Soft Pretzels deems reasonably acceptable, including an acknowledgment of independent ownership and that the trademark is owned by Bens Soft Pretzels and used under license. All internal and external signs must comply with Bens Soft Pretzels' outdoor/indoor guidelines and practices, as modified from time to time. Franchisees cannot make any changes or substitutions to the trademarks unless directed in writing by Bens Soft Pretzels. Bens Soft Pretzels reserves the right to change or modify the trademarks at any time, and franchisees will be given a reasonable amount of time, not exceeding six months, to implement these changes at their sole expense.