Can a Buona franchisee use the word "Buona" in the legal name of their business entity?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee acknowledges that between Franchisor and Franchisee, Franchisor has a prior and superior claim to the "Buona" trade name.
Franchisee shall not use the words "Buona" or any combination thereof, in the legal name of its corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or any other business entity used in conducting the Franchised Business.
Franchisee also agrees not to register or attempt to register a trade name using the words "Buona" in Franchisee's name or that of any other person or business entity, without the prior written consent of Franchisor.
Franchisee shall not identify itself as being "Buona" or as being associated with Franchisor or its Affiliates in any manner other than as a franchisee or licensee.
Franchisee shall, in all advertising and promotion and promotional materials, display its business name only in obvious conjunction with the phrase "an independent Buona Licensee" or "an independent Buona Franchisee" or with other words and in other phrases so as to identify itself as an independent owner of the Franchised Business, or as otherwise may be required in the Manual.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 78–356)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is explicitly prohibited from using the word "Buona" in the legal name of their business entity. This restriction applies to the franchisee's corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or any other business entity used to conduct the franchised business. This policy is in place because Buona retains a prior and superior claim to the "Buona" trade name.
Furthermore, the franchisee is not allowed to register or attempt to register a trade name using the word "Buona" without obtaining prior written consent from Buona. This includes preventing the franchisee from using "Buona" in the name of any other person or business entity associated with the franchise. The franchisee is also required to identify themselves as an independent licensee or franchisee in all advertising and promotional materials, using phrases like "an independent Buona Licensee" or "an independent Buona Franchisee".
These stipulations ensure that Buona maintains control over its brand identity and prevents any potential confusion among customers regarding the ownership and operation of the franchised business. It also protects Buona's trademark rights and goodwill associated with the brand. Franchisees must adhere to these guidelines to avoid infringing on Buona's proprietary rights and to maintain consistent branding across all franchise locations.