Who owns the Buff City Soap trademarks?

According to Buff City Soap's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Holdings owns the trademarks associated with the franchise. However, effective May 29, 2018, Holdings has licensed the trademarks and the System to Buff City Soap under a trademark license agreement. This agreement grants Buff City Soap a worldwide, perpetual, non-exclusive, non-transferable, royalty-free license to use and sublicense the Marks.

This arrangement means that while Holdings retains ownership of the trademarks, Buff City Soap has the right to use them for franchising purposes. However, there is a potential risk for franchisees: if the trademark license agreement between Holdings and Buff City Soap is terminated, Holdings has the right to require franchisees to stop using the Marks and the System. This could significantly impact a franchisee's ability to operate their business, as brand recognition is crucial in the retail soap market.

Buff City Soap states that it has no affirmative duty to protect a franchisee's right to use the Marks but intends to take appropriate actions if the need arises. Franchisees are obligated to notify Buff City Soap immediately of any apparent infringement or challenge to the use of any Mark or other intellectual property. Buff City Soap has the sole right to control any litigation arising from such issues. Franchisees must also assist Buff City Soap in protecting and maintaining its interests in the Marks or other intellectual property.