What is the C12 Group's policy on franchisee's use of the C12 trade name?
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.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 C12 Group Franchise Disclosure Document, C12 Group owns trademarks, service marks, trade names, logotypes, internet domain names, commercial symbols, copyrighted materials, and proprietary processes and materials which the franchisee is licensed to use. This includes The C12 Group® service mark, which is registered with the USPTO.
The C12 Group franchisee must use C12 Group's trademarks, service marks, trade names, logotypes, and domain names only as approved in writing by C12 Group. This includes adhering to guidelines set forth in training, operating manuals, semi-annual training workshops, and C12 Group's web-based portal. The franchisee can only use C12 Group's branding and marks when delivering approved C12 Group goods and services.
The franchisee cannot reproduce the C12 trade name, logo, or copyrighted materials beyond normal, permitted uses in monthly C12 meetings, events, seminars, and marketing efforts, without C12 Group's prior written permission and compliance with the C12 Brand Standards Guide. The franchisee must also maintain current information on C12 Group's websites regarding the franchisee, local group meeting locations and times, local C12 events and news, and provide every C12 member an opportunity to participate in any global C12 web functionality.
If the Franchise Agreement is terminated, 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 listed in the agreement. The franchisee must return these materials to C12 Group or destroy them, as directed by C12 Group.