When using the Proprietary Marks for Brueggers Bagels, what must a franchisee do to identify themselves?

According to Brueggers Bagels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, when using the Proprietary Marks, franchisees must identify themselves as a licensee and not the owner of the Proprietary Marks. This identification must be present on invoices, order forms, receipts, check stock, payroll forms, business stationery, websites, email auto-signatures, and other electronic media, as well as in conspicuous locations within the Brueggers Bagels premises.

This requirement ensures that customers and other parties understand that the franchisee is operating under a license from Brueggers Bagels and does not own the brand or its associated trademarks. This distinction is crucial for maintaining the integrity and value of the Brueggers Bagels brand. By clearly identifying themselves as licensees, franchisees avoid creating any confusion about the ownership and control of the Proprietary Marks.

This practice is common in franchising, where franchisees are granted the right to use the franchisor's trademarks and operating system. The clear identification of the franchisee's status as a licensee protects the franchisor's intellectual property rights and reinforces the standardized brand image. Failure to comply with this requirement could lead to legal issues and damage the relationship between the franchisee and Brueggers Bagels.

In summary, Brueggers Bagels franchisees must diligently identify themselves as licensees in all relevant business materials and locations to comply with the franchise agreement and protect the Proprietary Marks of Brueggers Bagels.