What symbol must a Carls Jr. franchisee use with all registered trademarks?

According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must use specific symbols in conjunction with the brand's trademarks. For all registered trademarks, the franchisee is required to use the symbol '®'. This indicates that the trademark is officially registered and legally protected.

In addition to registered trademarks, Carls Jr. franchisees must also use a specific symbol for trademarks that have pending registrations or other marks. In these cases, the franchisee is required to use the symbol '™'. This symbol signifies that the trademark is currently in the process of being registered or is otherwise claimed as a trademark.

These requirements ensure that Carls Jr. franchisees properly represent the brand's trademarks and comply with legal standards for trademark usage. Failure to use these symbols correctly could lead to legal issues or damage the brand's reputation. Therefore, it is crucial for franchisees to adhere to these guidelines when using any of Carls Jr.'s proprietary marks in their business operations.