How must a C12 Group franchisee use the franchisor's trademarks?
C12_Group Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
internet domain names (i.e., .COM, .NET, .ORG) that have been registered with domain name registrars, including Franchisor's primary website. Franchisee agrees to use Franchisor's current and future trademarks, service marks, trade names, logotypes, and domain names only in the ways Franchisor has approved in advance in writing as Franchisor has set forth in its training and operating manuals or in other routine communications to C12 Group franchisees such as semi-annual training workshops and via Franchisor's web-based portal for franchisee materials, resources, and information. Franchisor's branding and marks shall only be used by Franchisee in conjunction with the delivery of approved C12 Group goods and services. Franchisor agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold Franchisee harmless in the event that Franchisee's use of Franchisor's trademarks in accordance with this Agreement infringes upon the intellectual property rights of a third party. Franchisee agrees to notify Franchisor immediately if and when Franchisee learns of an infringement or challenge to Franchisee's use of any of Franchisor's trademarks. Franchisee shall not directly or indirectly contest Franchisor's right to, or use of, the C12 trademarks, trade secrets, or proprietary materials and processes that are part of Franchisor's business format. If this Agreement is terminated, Franchisee agrees to immediately cease using Franchisor's trade name, trademarks, service marks, symbols, or insignia, or any proprietary materials, forms, bulletins, advertising materials, slogans, manuals, or websites which relate to the name and marks listed in this Agreement. Franchisee shall ensure compliance with this by returning
these materials to Franchisor or, if Franchisor directs, destroying them.
II. Term and Renewal
The Term of this Agreement begins upon the execution hereof and continues through December 31st of the calendar year following the year in which this Agreement is executed. For example, if this Agreement is executed on May 31, 2024, the Term shall expire on December 31, 2025.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to C12 Group's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines regarding the use of the company's trademarks, service marks, trade names, logotypes, and domain names. These marks can only be used in ways that C12 Group has pre-approved in writing. Approved methods are communicated through training, operating manuals, semi-annual training workshops, and the franchisee web-based portal. The branding and marks are restricted to the delivery of approved C12 Group goods and services. Franchisees must immediately notify C12 Group of any infringement or challenges to the use of the company's trademarks.
C12 Group dictates that franchisees must use the C12 agendas, facilitation standards, materials, segments, forms, logos, and websites. This includes both the general C12 website and any specific site the franchisee authors for their territory. Franchisees must strictly follow the C12 Brand Standards Guide for paper and colors without deviation or substitution, unless approved in writing by C12 Group beforehand. Franchisees are also restricted from reproducing the C12 trade name, logo, or copyrighted materials beyond normal, permitted uses in monthly C12 meetings, events, seminars, and marketing efforts, without prior written permission and compliance with the C12 Brand Standards Guide.
Upon termination of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must immediately stop using C12 Group's trade name, trademarks, service marks, symbols, or insignia, as well as any proprietary materials, forms, bulletins, advertising materials, slogans, manuals, or websites related to the names and marks. The franchisee is responsible for returning these materials to C12 Group or destroying them, as directed by the company. These stipulations ensure brand consistency and protect C12 Group's intellectual property, while also outlining the franchisee's responsibilities in maintaining and protecting the brand's integrity.