Is a Carbones Pizzeria franchisee allowed to use the names 'Carbones Pizzeria' or 'Carbones Pizza' in connection with any other business?
Carbones_Pizzeria Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ing and obtaining additional insurance as required by Franchisor. If Franchisor approves of Franchisee selling any of the foregoing items or engaging in any of the foregoing activities, Franchisee shall do so at all times in compliance with Franchisor's standards, as it may determine from time-to-time, and in all events in compliance with applicable law.
9. Use of Name; Changing Name; Indemnification Against Infringement Suits.
a. Franchisee, in the conduct of Franchisee's business, agrees to use only the name "Carbone's Pizzeria". Franchisee shall identify Franchisee's Restaurant as a member
of the Carbone's franchise system.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 30–116)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carbones Pizzeria Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is explicitly prohibited from using the names "Carbone's Pizzeria" or "Carbone's Pizza", or any other of Carbone's Pizzeria's names and marks, in connection with any business other than their franchised Carbone's Pizzeria restaurant. The franchisee also cannot authorize or attempt to authorize the use of these names by others, nor can they permit any other party to use the names. This restriction applies during the term of the Franchise Agreement.
This provision ensures that the Carbones Pizzeria brand name and trademarks are exclusively used for authorized Carbone's Pizzeria franchise operations. This protects the brand's reputation and prevents potential customer confusion that could arise if the names were used by unrelated businesses. It also prevents a franchisee from leveraging the brand recognition of Carbones Pizzeria to promote other ventures without the franchisor's consent.
Upon termination of the Franchise Agreement, the franchisee must immediately cease using the names "Carbone's Pizzeria" or "Carbone's Pizza" in any manner, including advertising. This post-termination restriction reinforces the franchisor's control over its brand and prevents former franchisees from capitalizing on the brand's goodwill after their franchise relationship ends. The franchisee must also return all materials related to the Carbone's Pizzeria system and refrain from any action that would suggest they are still associated with the franchise.