Is a Bumper Man franchisee required to sign documents related to the protection of the marks?
Bumper_Man Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
titious 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 Bumper Man's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to sign documents related to the protection of the marks. The FDD states that franchisees must sign any documents that Bumper Man or its counsel deem necessary to protect the marks or maintain their validity and enforceability. This requirement ensures that Bumper Man can take all necessary legal steps to safeguard its trademarks.
This obligation extends to providing assistance in any litigation or proceedings related to the marks. Franchisees must offer any assistance that Bumper Man's counsel considers necessary to protect the company's interests in such legal matters. This may include signing additional documents or providing information relevant to the case.
Furthermore, franchisees must promptly notify Bumper Man of any infringement or challenges to the use of the marks. They must also refrain from communicating with anyone other than Bumper Man, its affiliates, or their counsel regarding any infringement, challenge, or claim. This coordinated approach allows Bumper Man to maintain control over the legal strategy and protect its trademarks effectively. Franchisees are not obligated to defend their right to use the marks, and Bumper Man is not required to participate in their defense or indemnify them for expenses or damages if they are involved in a proceeding concerning the marks.