Does Carvel have the right to authorize others to advertise using the Carvel marks anywhere?

According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Carvel and its affiliates reserve the right to authorize others to advertise using the Carvel marks anywhere. This is part of Carvel's broader reserved rights, meaning they retain control over aspects of the brand and its market presence.

This provision means that Carvel franchisees should expect that Carvel can allow other entities, including other franchisees or third parties, to conduct advertising campaigns using Carvel's trademarks, without providing any compensation to the franchisee. This could include national campaigns, regional promotions, or even allowing third-party vendors to use the Carvel name in their advertising.

For a prospective franchisee, this highlights the importance of understanding that the franchisee does not have exclusive control over the brand's advertising. While franchisees may conduct their own local advertising, Carvel retains the authority to direct broader advertising efforts and authorize others to do the same. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, where the franchisor maintains control over the brand's image and marketing strategies.