What written directives must a Bft franchisee follow when using the Bft marks?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
n franchisees of different brands, we will analyze any future conflict and take action (if any) that we deem appropriate.
ITEM 13 TRADEMARKS
We grant you the right to use the Marks we designate for use in connection with your Studio as part of the license rights you are granted under each Franchise Agreement you enter into with us, provided you only use the Marks in connection with your Studio operations and in strict accordance with the terms of your Franchise Agreement and any Learning Management System or other written directives from us. The following Marks are registered and owned by us on the Principal Register of the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO"):
| Mark | Registration Number | Registration Date | |---|---|---| | BFT | 6,477,914 | September 7, 2021 | | | 6,490,486 | September 21, 2021 | We expect and intend to submit all affidavits and other filings necessary to maintain the registrations above. There are no presently effective determinations of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the trademark administrator of any State, or any court, nor any pending material litigation involving any of the Marks which are
relevant to their use in any State. There are no pending interference actions or opposition or cancellation proceedings that significantly limit our rights to use or license the use of the Marks in any manner material to the System. We have filed all required affidavits for the Marks and will continue to do so.
You must follow our rules when you use the Marks. You cannot use our name or any of the Marks as part of a corporate name or with modifying words, designs or symbols except for those which we license to you. You may not use the Marks in connection with the sale of an unauthorized product or service or in a manner not authorized in writing by us. You must not use any other trade names or trademarks in the operation of the Studio without first obtaining our written consent. You must not establish a website on the Internet using any domain name containing the Marks or any variation thereof without our written consent. We retain the sole right to advertise on the Internet and create a website using the Marks as domain names.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 54–55)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines when using Bft's trademarks. Bft grants franchisees the right to use designated marks in connection with their studio operations. However, this usage must strictly comply with the terms outlined in the Franchise Agreement, the Learning Management System, and any other written directives provided by Bft. This means a franchisee's use of the Bft marks is not entirely discretionary but is subject to Bft's control and guidance.
Bft also specifies several explicit rules regarding the use of its marks. Franchisees cannot use Bft's name or marks as part of a corporate name or with unauthorized modifications, designs, or symbols. They are prohibited from using the marks in connection with the sale of unauthorized products or services or in any manner not explicitly authorized in writing by Bft. Furthermore, franchisees must obtain written consent from Bft before using any other trade names or trademarks in the operation of their studio. This ensures that the Bft brand remains consistent and is not diluted by association with unapproved products, services, or names.
Additionally, franchisees need written consent from Bft to establish a website using any domain name containing Bft's marks or variations thereof, as Bft retains the sole right to advertise on the Internet and create websites using the marks as domain names. If Bft decides to modify or discontinue the use of any marks, franchisees must comply with Bft's directions to modify or discontinue the use of such marks within a reasonable time after notice. Franchisees are not entitled to compensation for any costs incurred due to such modifications or discontinuance. These stipulations highlight Bft's control over its brand identity and the franchisee's obligation to adhere to Bft's decisions regarding the marks.
Finally, franchisees are prohibited from seeking to register, re-register, claim ownership of, license, or allow others to use any of Bft's marks or confusingly similar marks, except with Bft's prior written approval and insofar as such action benefits Bft. Upon termination or cancellation of the Franchise Agreement, franchisees must immediately discontinue the use of the marks, remove all copies from the premises, and transfer all rights to Bft. These measures ensure that Bft retains complete control over its trademarks and that franchisees do not infringe upon Bft's intellectual property rights.