factual

What are the Best Western Identifying Marks that Best Western International, Inc. licenses?

Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

%) of the Property Room Revenue. Upon resignation, termination, or cancellation of Membership, the Member shall owe certain fees, dues, charges, assessments, and other damages to Best Western, as discussed in greater detail below in Section F.

D. Grant of License

Best Western grants to Member, but only as permitted by its Regulatory Documents, a non-exclusive license to use, at and in connection with the Property, the "Best Western" name and those Best Western trademarks, service marks, domain names, and other identifying marks, words, letters, designs, names, or symbols as set forth from time to time in the Brand Identity Manual (collectively "Best Western Identifying Marks").

E. Resignation, Cancellation or Termination of Agreement

This Agreement shall terminate: (1) upon sale or lease of the Property, or transfer of control of the Property, as more fully set forth in the Bylaws; or (2) upon Member's default of any obligation to Best Western, as more fully set forth in the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, and Regulatory Documents, to include, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, Member's failure to make timely payment of any fees, dues, assessments, or charges owed Best Western, or Member's failure to comply with all applicable laws; or (3) upon Member's resignation from the Membership.

F. Rights and Duties Upon Resignation, Cancellation or Termination of Agreement/License

    1. The license provided hereunder shall terminate immediately upon resignation of Member from the Membership or cancellation or termination of this Agreement. Within fifteen (15) days of resignation, cancellation or termination of the Agreement, the Property and Member shall cease use of and remove from public view all Best Western Identifying Marks (e.g. signs and logo'd items) and transfer to Best Western any domains containing any Best Western Identifying Marks (including, but not limited to, any domain names containing "best," "western," "bw," or any combination thereof). This prohibition includes any representation, directly or indirectly, that the Property was formerly affiliated with Best Western.
    1. Furthermore, upon resignation, cancellation or termination, Member shall actively take such steps as may be necessary to cause the cessation of all advertising and distribution of promotional material, to include for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, online material containing any Best Western Identifying Marks, and shall not use anything consisting of or incorporating any part of any Best Western Identifying Marks or which singularly or together are similar in spelling, sound, appearance or otherwise to any Best Western Identifying Mark. Pursuant to this section F, Member shall also take reasonable steps to notify all third-party advertisers marketing the Property, online or in other media, that the Property is no longer affiliated with Best Western.

Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD page 8)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Best Western International, Inc. licenses a range of identifying marks for use by its members. These marks include the "Best Western" name along with associated trademarks, service marks, domain names, and other identifying symbols as specified in the Brand Identity Manual.

Specifically, Best Western licenses names such as "Best Western®", "Best Western Plus®", "Best Western Premier®", "Executive Residency by Best Western®", "@Home by Best WesternSM", "Vīb®", and "GLō®". Additionally, they license the "BW Premier Collection®" and "BW Signature Collection®" names, which are collectively referred to as the "Collection Marks".

It is important for prospective franchisees to understand that upon resignation, cancellation, or termination of the Membership Agreement, the property and member must immediately cease use of all Best Western Identifying Marks. This includes removing signs and logoed items from public view and transferring any domains containing these marks to Best Western. This obligation extends to online materials and advertising, requiring members to notify third-party advertisers to cease using Best Western Identifying Marks in connection with the property.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.