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What is the relationship between the Carls's trademarks in Item 13 and the franchisee's obligation to maintain the brand's image and reputation, as generally implied in Item 9?

Carls Franchise · 2024 FDD

Answer from 2024 FDD Document

[Item 13: TRADEMARKS]

ITEM 13 TRADEMARKS

For Carl's Jr. Restaurant franchisees, we grant you the right to operate a restaurant under the name "Carl's Jr." and to use our other current or future trademarks that we designate in the operation of your Franchised Restaurant. By trademarks, we mean trade names, trademarks, trade dress, service marks, logos, insignias, slogans, emblems, symbols, designs and any combination of these or any other indicia of source used to identify and distinguish the Carl's Jr. brand (our "Proprietary Marks"). We own all right, title and interest in and to the Proprietary Marks and you will only have such rights to use the Proprietary Marks as granted to you in the Franchise Agreement.

Our Proprietary Marks include both registered and unregistered marks. Registered marks are marks that have been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") and enjoy the protections of federal registration. Unregistered marks may include short term product marks (LTOS or similar promotions), trade dress, or other marks that, while not registered, are protected by common law based upon our use of the marks. In addition to other registered trademarks, we own the following principal trademarks ("Principal Trademarks") that have been registered with the USPTO on the Principal Register, and any applicable required affidavits of continued use have been filed and accepted:


Franchisee shall employ only suitable persons of good character and reputation who will at all times conduct themselves in a competent and courteous manner in accordance with the image and reputation of CJR and the System and, while on duty, comply with the dress attire, personal appearance and hygiene standards set forth in the OPM. Franchisee shall use its best efforts to ensure that Franchisee's employees maintain a neat and clean appearance and render competent and courteous service to all customers and fellow employees of the Franchised Restaurant.

I. Signs and Logos

Subject to local ordinances, Franchisee shall prominently display in and upon the land and buildings of the Franchised Restaurant interior and exterior signs and logos using the name "Carl's Jr.", without any

prefix or suffix, and those other names, marks, advertising signs and logos, of such nature, form, color, number, location and size, and containing that material as CJR may from time to time direct. Franchisee shall not display in or upon the Franchised Location any sign, logo or advertising media of any kind to which CJR objects.

A. Standards, Specifications and Procedures

Franchisee acknowledges that each and every detail of the appearance, layout, decor, services and operation of the Franchised Restaurant is important to CJR and other Carl's Jr. Restaurants. Franchisee agrees to cooperate with CJR by maintaining these high standards in the operation of the Franchised Restaurant. Franchisee further agrees to comply with all System specifications, recipes, standards and operating procedures (whether contained in the OPM or any other written communication to Franchisee) relating to the appearance, function, cleanliness and operation of a Carl's Jr. Restaurant, including, but not limited to: (1) type, quality, taste, weight, dimensions, ingredients, uniformity, manner of preparation, and sale of all food products and beverages sold at the Franchised Restaurant and all other products used in the packaging and sale of those products and beverages; (2) sales and marketing procedures and customer service; (3) advertising and promotional programs; (4) layout, decor and color scheme of the Franchised Restaurant; (5) appearance and dress of employees; (6) safety, maintenance, appearance, cleanliness, sanitation, standards of service, and operation of the Franchised Restaurant; (7) submission of requests for approval of brands of products, supplies and suppliers; (8) use and illumination of signs, posters, displays, standard formats and similar items; (9) identification of Franchisee as the owner of the Franchised Restaurant; (10) types of fixtures, furnishings, equipment, smallwares and packaging; and (11) the make, type, location and decibel level of any game, entertainment or vending machine. Mandatory specifications, standards and operating procedures, including upgraded or additional equipment, that CJR prescribes from time to time in the OPM or otherwise communicates to Franchisee in writing, shall constitute provisions of this Agreement as if fully set forth in this Agreement.

What This Means (2024 FDD)

According to the 2024 Carls FDD, Item 13 grants franchisees the right to operate under the "Carl's Jr." name and use the brand's trademarks. These trademarks include trade names, logos, and other identifying marks. Carls retains ownership of these Proprietary Marks, and franchisees are granted limited rights to use them as specified in the Franchise Agreement.

The FDD emphasizes the importance of maintaining Carls's reputation and goodwill. Franchisees must ensure that their employees conduct themselves in a competent and courteous manner, adhering to the brand's image and reputation. This includes following standards for dress attire, personal appearance, and hygiene. Franchisees are also required to prominently display Carls's signs and logos, without any unauthorized modifications.

Carls franchisees must maintain high standards in the appearance, layout, decor, services, and operation of their restaurants. This includes complying with specifications for food products, customer service, advertising, restaurant layout, employee appearance, cleanliness, and signage. By adhering to these standards and properly using the trademarks, franchisees contribute to the overall brand image and customer perception of Carls.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.