What instructions must a Burros Fries franchisee comply with regarding trade name registration?
Burros_Fries Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
ating Manual as well as our policy statements, which underlie the goodwill associated with and symbolized by the Names and Marks.
B. Franchisee is Licensed to Use Names and Marks
With respect to Franchisee's franchised use of Burros & Fries Franchise, Inc.'s Names and Marks pursuant to this Agreement, Franchisee agrees that:
- Franchisee shall use only the Names and Marks as are approved in writing by us for Franchisee's use, and shall use them only in the manner authorized and permitted by us and that in any use whatsoever of the Names and Marks of ours that the Names and Marks are identified as being registered to or owned by Burros & Fries Franchise, Inc., with exclusive rights give to us;
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- Franchisee shall use the Names and Marks only in connection with the operation of the Business and in advertising for the Business conducted at or from the Franchisee's web page and Accepted Location;
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- Franchisee shall use and display, as we may require in the operation of the Business, a notice in the form approved by us indicating that Franchisee is a "Franchise of Burros & Fries" and that the Names and Marks are used by Franchisee under such Franchise. Franchisee must indicate to third parties that it is "independently owned and operated" and that we own the Marks and Franchisee uses them under a license;
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- Unless otherwise authorized or required by us, Franchisee shall operate and advertise the Business under the Name and Mark "Burros & Fries";
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- Franchisee's right to use the Names and Marks is limited to such usages as are authorized under this Agreement, and any unauthorized use shall constitute an infringement of our rights and a material breach of this Agreement;
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- Franchisee must obtain our approval for any use of any item of printed material of any kind bearing any of the Names or Marks, unless we supplied the item. We shall approve or deny Franchisee's request, which approval is in our sole discretion, within thirty (30) days of receipt of Franchisee's written request. If we fail to respond to Franchisee's request within said thirty (30) day period, Franchisee's request shall be deemed denied. Franchisee shall use such notices of Trademark registrations and copyrights as we specify.
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- Franchisee shall not use the Names and Marks to incur any obligations or indebtedness on our behalf;
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- Franchisee shall not use the Names and Marks or any part thereof as part of its corporate or other legal name;
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- Except as otherwise permitted in this Agreement, Franchisee shall not use the Names and Marks or any part thereof in any form on the Internet, including but not limited to, addresses, domain names, URL's, Websites, links, metatags, locators and search techniques;
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- Franchisee shall comply with our instructions in filing and maintaining the requisite trade name or fictitious name registration, and shall execute any documents deemed necessary by us or our counsel to obtain protection for the Names and Marks or to maintain their continued validity and enforceability;
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- In the event any litigation involving the Names and Marks is instituted or threatened against Franchisee, Franchisee shall promptly notify us and shall cooperate fully with us in defending such litigation. Franchisee agrees to execute any and all instruments and documents, render such assistance, and do such acts or things as may, in the sole opinion of us, reasonably be necessary or advisable to protect and maintain the interests of us or any other interested party in the Names or Marks. Other than what is stated in this Agreement, we are not obligated to protect Franchisee's right to use the Marks or protect Franchisee against claims of infringement or unfair competition with respect to them and may direct Franchisee not to use the Marks or to change the Marks at Franchisee's expense. We will control all such litigation, arbitration, and mediation involving the
Marks. The Franchisee has no authority to institute any litigation, file any arbitration, or institute any request for mediation regarding the Marks, nor does the Franchisee have any authority to enter into any settlement negotiations. Although we are not contractually obligated to protect the Marks or Franchise's right to use them, as a matter of corporate policy, we intend to defend the Marks vigorously.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 53)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Burros Fries's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have several obligations regarding the use of the Burros & Fries name and marks. Franchisees must use only the names and marks approved in writing by Burros & Fries and in the manner authorized. Any use of the names and marks must identify them as registered to or owned by Burros & Fries Franchise, Inc., with exclusive rights given to them. Franchisees must use and display a notice indicating they are a "Franchise of Burros & Fries" and that the names and marks are used under such a franchise. Franchisees must also indicate to third parties that the business is "independently owned and operated" and that Burros & Fries owns the marks, which the franchisee uses under license. Unless otherwise authorized, franchisees must operate and advertise under the name and mark "Burros & Fries." Unauthorized use of the names and marks constitutes an infringement of Burros & Fries's rights and a material breach of the agreement. Franchisees must obtain approval for any use of printed material bearing the names or marks, with Burros & Fries having 30 days to approve or deny the request. Failure to respond within 30 days results in the request being deemed denied. Franchisees must use trademark and copyright notices as specified by Burros & Fries.
Furthermore, it is the franchisee's responsibility to research and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the operation of their Burros & Fries business. This includes securing and maintaining all required licenses, permits, and certificates, such as fictitious name registrations and sales tax permits. Burros Fries makes no representations about what specific licenses or permits will be required for the franchisee's area.
Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must immediately and permanently cease using any confidential information, methods, trade secrets, procedures, descriptions of products and services, and the names and marks associated with Burros Fries. This includes ceasing the use of all signage, advertising materials, menus, stationery, forms, and any other articles displaying the names and marks. The franchisee is responsible for making changes to signage, vehicles, and buildings as directed by Burros Fries to remove any association with the brand.