What must a Bumper Man franchisee do regarding trade name or fictitious name registrations?
Bumper_Man Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may use only the Marks that we designate, must use them only in the manner that we authorize and permit, and must use them with the symbols, "®", "™", or "SM", as appropriate. You may use the Marks only in connection with the operation and promotion of your Bumper Business, and only in the manner we prescribe. You may not use any of the Marks as part of your corporate or other name. You must also follow our instructions for identifying yourself as a franchisee and for filing and maintaining the requisite trade name or fictitious name registrations. You must sign any documents we or our counsel determine are necessary to obtain protection for the Marks or to maintain their continued validity and enforceability. Neither you nor your principals may take any action that would
prejudice or interfere with the validity of our rights with respect to the Marks and may not contest the validity of our interest in the Marks or assist others to do so.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 29–31)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bumper Man Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines regarding trade name or fictitious name registrations. Bumper Man requires franchisees to follow their instructions for filing and maintaining the necessary trade name or fictitious name registrations. This means a franchisee cannot simply choose a name; they must comply with Bumper Man's procedures.
Furthermore, franchisees are obligated to sign any documents that Bumper Man or its legal counsel deem necessary to protect the trademarks. This ensures that Bumper Man can secure and maintain the validity and enforceability of its marks. Franchisees and their principals are prohibited from taking any actions that could harm or interfere with Bumper Man's trademark rights. They also cannot challenge the validity of Bumper Man's interest in the marks or assist others in doing so.
These requirements are typical in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their brand identity and trademarks. By mandating specific procedures and requiring franchisees to sign necessary documents, Bumper Man aims to maintain consistent branding and prevent any legal challenges to its trademarks. Prospective franchisees should understand that compliance with these trademark-related obligations is a condition of operating a Bumper Man franchise.