Who owns the trademarks and trade names associated with the C12 Group?

According to the 2025 C12 Group Franchise Disclosure Document, the C12 Group, as the Franchisor, owns the trademarks, service marks, trade names, logotypes, internet domain names, commercial symbols, copyrighted materials, and proprietary processes and materials that the franchisee is licensed to use. This ownership extends to The C12 Group® service mark, which is registered with the USPTO as a Principal Register federal registration, and any other marks C12 may establish.

As a C12 Group franchisee, you are granted the right to use these trademarks, service marks, trade names, logotypes, and domain names, but only in ways that the C12 Group approves in advance and in accordance with their training and operating manuals. This includes adhering to guidelines set forth in semi-annual training workshops and the web-based portal for franchisee resources. The franchisee's use of the C12 Group's branding and marks must be directly related to the delivery of approved C12 Group goods and services.

The franchise agreement stipulates that the franchisee must immediately notify the C12 Group of any infringement or challenges to the use of the franchisor's trademarks. The franchisee cannot contest the C12 Group's rights to its trademarks, trade secrets, or proprietary materials. Upon termination of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must immediately cease using all of the C12 Group's trade names, trademarks, service marks, and other proprietary materials, returning them to the C12 Group or destroying them as directed.

This arrangement is typical in franchising, as it protects the brand's identity and reputation. Franchisees benefit from using established trademarks, while the franchisor maintains control over brand standards and usage. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the C12 Group's Brand Standards Guide and operating manuals to fully understand the permitted uses of the company's intellectual property.