For a Burger King franchise, what is the required action regarding the source of signs displaying Burger King marks?
Burger_King Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
hall not be appealable in any forum. The decision may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. The place of arbitration shall be Miami, Florida.
Failure of FRANCHISEE to comply with the terms of this section 5.B shall be deemed a material default of this Agreement.
C. Signs
The BURGER KING marks will only be erected and displayed in the manner and at such locations as are approved and authorized by BKC, in writing. FRANCHISEE agrees to maintain and display signs reflecting the Current Image of Non-Traditional Restaurants and shall not place additional signs or posters on the Premises without the prior written consent of BKC. All signs with the BURGER KING marks utilized at the Premises must be obtained from sources approved by BKC.
FRANCHISEE shall discontinue the use of and destroy such signs as are declared obsolete by BKC within the reasonable time specified by BKC.
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 109–124)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Burger King's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain all signs displaying Burger King marks from sources approved by Burger King Company (BKC). These signs must be erected and displayed in a manner and at locations approved in writing by BKC. Franchisees must also maintain and display signs that reflect the current image of non-traditional restaurants and cannot place additional signs or posters without BKC's prior written consent. Failure to comply with these sign requirements is considered a material default of the Franchise Agreement.
Burger King franchisees are required to discontinue the use of and destroy any signs that BKC declares obsolete within a reasonable timeframe specified by BKC. Because these signs are fundamental to the Burger King system, franchisees grant BKC the right to enter the franchised restaurant and premises to remove and destroy unapproved or obsolete signs if the franchisee fails to do so within 30 days of written request from BKC.
This level of control over signage is typical in franchising, as it ensures brand consistency and protects the trademark. Prospective Burger King franchisees should be aware of these requirements and factor in the costs of purchasing signs from approved sources, as well as the potential costs associated with replacing signs when BKC mandates a change.