What symbols must a Carls franchisee use with registered trademarks and pending registrations or other marks?

According to Carls's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must use specific symbols to indicate the status of the brand's trademarks. For all registered trademarks, the franchisee is required to use the symbol ®. For any trademarks that have pending registrations or other marks, the franchisee must use the symbol ™.

This requirement ensures that Carls maintains consistent branding and legal protection across all its franchised locations. By properly displaying these symbols, franchisees help to inform the public and other businesses about the trademark status of the Carls brand, which can deter potential infringement and reinforce the brand's identity.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines could lead to legal issues for both the franchisee and Carls. It is important for prospective franchisees to understand and comply with these trademark usage rules to protect the brand's integrity and avoid any legal complications.