How must a Bigfoot Forestry franchisee identify themselves in dealings with third parties?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
24.2. Relationship of Parties. Nothing in this Agreement creates a fiduciary relationship between the parties or is intended to make either party an agent, legal representative, partner or employee of the other party. Throughout the Term you must, in all dealings with third parties, conspicuously identify yourself as a franchisee and the independent owner of your Bigfoot Forestry Business. We may require that you display a written notice of independent ownership in the form we prescribe. You must also include a written indication of independent ownership on all agreements, forms, letterhead, advertising materials, business cards and other materials that we specify. Neither party may: (a)
make any express or implied agreement, warranty or representation, or incur any debt, in the name of or on behalf of the other; or (b) represent that our relationship is other than franchisor and franchisee.
Neither party is obligated by any agreement or representation made by the other party unless expressly authorized by this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–162)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, when dealing with third parties, a franchisee must conspicuously identify themselves as a franchisee and the independent owner of their Bigfoot Forestry Business. This requirement ensures that customers and other parties understand that the franchisee is an independent entity and not directly an agent, legal representative, partner, or employee of the franchisor. This is a common practice in franchising to clarify the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee.
Bigfoot Forestry may also require franchisees to display a written notice of independent ownership in a form prescribed by them. Furthermore, franchisees must include a written indication of independent ownership on all agreements, forms, letterhead, advertising materials, business cards, and other materials specified by Bigfoot Forestry.
These stipulations prevent franchisees from making any express or implied agreements, warranties, or representations, or incurring any debt in the name of or on behalf of Bigfoot Forestry, unless expressly authorized by the franchise agreement. It also prevents either party from misrepresenting their relationship as anything other than franchisor and franchisee. This protects both Bigfoot Forestry and the franchisee from potential liabilities or misunderstandings arising from misrepresentations about their business relationship.