What constitutes intellectual property misuse by a Beverly Anns Cookie franchisee?

According to Beverly Anns Cookie's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, misuse of intellectual property occurs if a franchisee continues to use the brand's intellectual property in any way after the franchise agreement terminates, expires, or is transferred. This includes using trademarks or trade names that are confusingly similar to Beverly Ann's Cookie's protected intellectual property. The franchisee acknowledges that any continued use of the Marks would constitute trademark infringement.

After the agreement ends, the franchisee must immediately stop operating under the Beverly Ann's Cookie System and cannot present themselves as a current or former franchise owner. The franchisee is also obligated to decommission the 'GR Vehicle' (Grandma's Recipe Motor Vehicle) and any additional equipment by removing all proprietary items and Marks, such as vinyl wraps, signage, and other branded components, according to Beverly Ann's Cookie's System Standards.

If the franchisee fails to properly decommission the GR Vehicle, Beverly Ann's Cookie has the right to take possession of the vehicle and remove any signs or materials containing the brand's Marks. This ensures that the vehicle is no longer identifiable as related to the Beverly Ann's Cookie System, protecting the brand's image and preventing potential consumer confusion. These post-term obligations are designed to protect Beverly Ann's Cookie's intellectual property and brand reputation after a franchise agreement concludes.