Can a Brueggers Bagels licensee register the Marks as part of any Internet domain name or URL?
Brueggers_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(or any abbreviation, modification or colorable imitation) as part of any corporate or legal business name or in any other manner (including as an electronic media identifier, such as a web site, web page or domain name) unless Licensor expressly authorizes in writing.
- 3.3. Prohibition Against Disputing Licensor Rights. During or after the Term, Licensee shall not in any way dispute or impugn the validity of the Marks or System, or the rights of Licensor to them, or the rights of Licensor or other licensees of Licensor to use them.
3.4. Use of Trademarks.
- (a) Subject to the approval of the Lessor, Licensee shall affix to the Bakery, at such places as may permissibly be affixed in accordance with Licensee's Management Agreement and/or Lease for the Facility, signs containing the Marks in the size, color and quality of that prescribed by Licensor and approved by the Lessor. Licensee shall not display signs containing any of the Marks at any place to which Licensor reasonably objects.
- (b) Licensee shall accept, use and display, as may be applicable, such Marks in accordance with the Standards, which may be determined by Licensor from time to time.
- (c) Licensee shall ensure that the Marks
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 61)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Brueggers Bagels Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), franchisees are generally prohibited from registering the brand's trademarks as part of any Internet domain name or URL. Specifically, franchisees cannot display or use the marks or other intellectual property in connection with any website advertising, address, or listing on the internet without prior written consent from Brueggers Bagels. This consent may require the licensing of any domain name containing any marks by Brueggers Bagels to the franchisee.
This restriction ensures that Brueggers Bagels maintains control over its brand's online presence and prevents unauthorized or inappropriate use of its trademarks. It also allows Brueggers Bagels to ensure uniformity and consistency in how the brand is represented online. Franchisees must adhere to these guidelines to maintain their franchise agreement and uphold the brand's image.
However, Brueggers Bagels may, at its option and in its sole discretion, market and advertise the Bakery through the Internet. In connection with any consent for internet use, Brueggers Bagels may establish requirements such as obtaining prior approval of any Internet domain name and home page addresses, submission for approval of all Web site pages, advertising, materials and content, submission for approval of all metatags, hyperlinks and other links, restrictions on use of any materials in which any third party has any ownership interest, and obtaining prior approval of any modifications.
If Brueggers Bagels determines that it is advisable at any time to modify or discontinue use of any Marks and/or use one or more additional or substitute trademarks, service marks, or commercial symbols, Licensee agrees to comply with Licensor's directives and to use and display such additional or substitute trademarks, at its own expense, within a reasonable time after receiving written notice thereof; provided, however, that in no event shall Licensee be required to expend more than Five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($5,000.00) in any Twelve (12) month period during the Term in complying with this obligation.