Does Big O Tires provide any guidelines on using public figures in advertising?
Big_O_Tires Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (l) Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that certain associations between its Big O Store, the Licensed Marks, and/or the Big O franchise system, on the one side, and a political (including a political party or candidate), religious, social, cultural or similar group, member, cause, and/or activities (collectively, a "Political or Social Cause"), on the other side, may result in adverse publicity and other adverse impacts on the Licensed Marks and/or Big O franchise system with certain segments of the public.
As such, Franchisee agrees that it will not, without Big O's prior written consent, make any statement or take any other action (including posting signs) that could be perceived as promoting, approving, disapproving, publicizing, or otherwise commenting on a Political or Social Cause in any manner that is connected to or associated with the Big O Store, the Licensed Marks, and/or the Big O franchise system.
Source: Item 18 — PUBLIC FIGURES (FDD page 85)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Big O Tires FDD, franchisees must obtain prior written consent from Big O Tires before making any statement or taking any action that could be perceived as commenting on a political, religious, social, cultural, or similar cause in any manner connected to the Big O Tires store, the licensed marks, or the franchise system. This includes any action that could be perceived as promoting, approving, disapproving, or publicizing a political or social cause. This policy is in place because associations between the Big O Tires store and a political or social cause may result in adverse publicity and other adverse impacts on the licensed marks and the Big O Tires franchise system.
This restriction means a Big O Tires franchisee cannot use public figures to endorse or oppose any political or social cause in connection with their store without the express written permission of Big O Tires. This is to protect the brand's image and prevent potential negative impacts from controversial associations.
While the FDD excerpt does not explicitly address the use of public figures in general advertising, it does emphasize the need to protect the brand from potential adverse effects linked to political or social issues. A prospective franchisee should seek clarification from Big O Tires regarding the specific guidelines on using public figures in advertising campaigns that do not involve political or social causes. It would be prudent to understand what types of endorsements are permissible and what approval processes are in place for such advertising initiatives.