What responsibility does the Bhc master franchisee have regarding the use of the Marks and Intellectual Property by their employees and agents?

According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the master franchisee is responsible for ensuring that their employees and agents properly use the Marks and Intellectual Property in compliance with the franchise agreement. This means the master franchisee must supervise all employees and agents to prevent any unauthorized use or display of trademarks, trade names, service marks, insignias, or logo types other than the Marks approved by Bhc.

The master franchisee must ensure that neither they, their Principal Equity Operators, nor any employee, agent, or representative uses the Marks and Intellectual Property in connection with any business or activity outside the scope of the franchised business. The master franchisee can only use the Marks and Intellectual Property on the Internet or other electronic media if specifically authorized by Bhc in the Operations Manual or in writing.

Furthermore, any materials created by the master franchisee, their employees, agents, subcontractors, or any party they contract with that incorporate the Marks become the sole property of the owner of the Marks. The master franchisee must ensure that any affected employee who is not a Principal Equity Operator signs a release authorizing Bhc to use their name, image, and likeness for marketing and promotion purposes without compensation. The master franchisee must provide Bhc with a copy of this signed release.