What symbol must a Carls Jr. franchisee use with all pending registrations or other marks?

According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must use specific symbols in conjunction with the brand's trademarks. For registered trademarks, the franchisee is required to use the symbol "®". When dealing with pending registrations or other marks that are not yet fully registered, the franchisee must use the symbol "™".

This requirement ensures that Carls Jr. protects its brand identity and complies with trademark laws. By using these symbols correctly, franchisees help to clearly indicate the status of the brand's intellectual property. This is a standard practice in franchising, as consistent and correct trademark usage is crucial for maintaining brand recognition and preventing potential legal issues related to trademark infringement.

The franchisee's adherence to these trademark guidelines is essential for maintaining the integrity and legal protection of the Carls Jr. brand. Failure to use these symbols correctly could potentially lead to legal complications or damage the brand's reputation. Therefore, it is important for prospective franchisees to understand and comply with these requirements as part of their franchise agreement.