Is a C12 Group franchisee allowed to use C12 branding with unaffiliated businesses?
C12_Group Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You agree to use our current and future trademarks, service marks, trade names, document templates, logotypes, and domain names only in the ways we have approved in advance in writing as we have set
forth in our training and operating manuals or in other routine communications to C12, such a semiannual workshops and via our www.C12forums.com web-based portal for franchisee materials, resources, and information. C12 branding and marks will only be used in conjunction with the delivery of C12's goods and services and not with unaffiliated business which may be transacted by a C12 franchisee.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 32–34)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to C12 Group's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from using C12 Group branding in connection with any business ventures that are not affiliated with C12 Group. The FDD states that C12 Group's trademarks, service marks, trade names, document templates, logotypes, and domain names must only be used in ways that C12 Group has approved in writing. These approved uses are communicated through training, operating manuals, semi-annual workshops, and the C12forums.com web portal.
This restriction means that a C12 Group franchisee cannot leverage the C12 Group brand to promote or operate any separate, independent business they may own or be involved in. The branding and marks are exclusively for the delivery of C12 Group's services. This is a common practice in franchising, as franchisors want to maintain strict control over their brand and ensure it is only associated with their approved products and services.
The implication for prospective franchisees is that they must keep their C12 Group business activities separate from any other business interests. Using C12 Group's branding inappropriately could lead to a breach of the franchise agreement and potential legal consequences. Therefore, franchisees need to be diligent in adhering to the brand guidelines and seeking written approval for any marketing or promotional activities to avoid any conflicts.