Can a Canine Dimensions franchisee use the copyrighted materials in any way they choose?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
steps reasonably necessary to preserve and protect the ownership and validity in and of the Marks.
7.2 Right to Use
With respect to Franchisee's use of the Marks, Franchisee agrees that:
- 7.2.1 Franchisee will use only the Marks designated by Franchisor, and will use them only in the manner Franchisor authorizes and permits.
- 7.2.2 Franchisee will use the Marks only for the operation of the Franchised Business or in advertising for the Franchised Business. Franchisor reserves the right to approve all signs, memos, stationery, business cards, advertising material, forms and all other objects and supplies using the Marks. All advertising, publicity, point of sale materials, signs, decorations, furnishings, equipment, or other materials employing the words "Canine Dimensions" shall be in accordance with this Agreement and the Manual, and Franchisee shall obtain Franchisor's approval prior to such use.
- 7.2.3 Unless otherwise authorized or required by Franchisor, Franchisee will operate and advertise the Franchised Business only under the name "Canine Dimensions" without prefix or suffix.
- 7.2.4 During the Term and any successor agreement, Franchisee must identify itself as the owner of the Franchised Business in conjunction with any use of the Marks, including, but not limited to, on invoices, order forms, receipts, and contracts. Franchisee must post a conspicuous notice on any documents used with Franchisee's customers and Associates that states: "EACH CANINE DIMENSIONS BUSINESS IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED" or any modification of this statement as Franchisor requires. Franchisee must include this disclaimer on all business cards, stationery, promotional and advertising materials, website and Internet communications, real estate documents, and all other materials Franchisee uses. In all public records, in relationships with other persons, and on letterhead and business forms, Franchisee must indicate its independent ownership of the Franchised Business and that Franchisee is solely a franchisee of Canine Dimensions Franchising, LLC.
- 7.2.5 Franchisee's right to use the Marks is limited to such uses as are authorized under this Agreement, and any unauthorized use of them will be considered infringement.
- 7.2.6 Franchisee must not use the Marks to incur any obligation or indebtedness on behalf of Franchisor.
- 7.2.7 Franchisee will not use the Marks as part of its Business Entity name.
- 7.2.8 Franchisee must comply with Franchisor's instructions in filing and maintaining a requisite trade name or fictitious name registration, and shall execute any documents deemed necessary by Franchisor or its counsel to obtain protection for the Marks or to maintain their continued validity and enforceability.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 26–27)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canine Dimensions's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee's right to use the brand's trademarks and copyrighted materials is explicitly limited and controlled by the franchisor. Franchisees can only use the marks designated by Canine Dimensions and only in the manner authorized and permitted by them. This use is restricted to operating the franchised business or in advertising for the business. All materials using the Canine Dimensions name, including signs, memos, stationery, and advertising, must comply with the franchise agreement and the operations manual, and franchisees must obtain prior approval from Canine Dimensions before using such materials.
Unauthorized use of the marks is considered infringement, and franchisees cannot use the marks to incur obligations on behalf of Canine Dimensions or as part of their business entity name. Franchisees must also identify themselves as the owner of the franchised business in conjunction with any use of the marks on items like invoices and contracts, and include a disclaimer stating that each Canine Dimensions business is independently owned and operated on all business cards, promotional materials, and online communications.
Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must immediately cease using all confidential methods, procedures, techniques, and marks associated with the Canine Dimensions system. This includes removing all signs, advertising materials, and online listings displaying the marks. The franchisee must also cancel any assumed name registrations containing the Canine Dimensions mark. These strict controls ensure brand consistency and protect the franchisor's intellectual property rights, which is a common practice in franchising.