Does a finding of invalidity of any of the Marks affect a Chem Dry franchisee's obligations to CDI?

According to Chem Dry's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, a finding of invalidity of any of the Marks will not affect a franchisee's obligations to CDI. This means that even if a court or other authority determines that a Chem Dry trademark is invalid, the franchisee is still required to fulfill all obligations under the franchise agreement.

This provision protects Chem Dry by ensuring that franchisees cannot avoid their contractual duties simply because a trademark is challenged or invalidated. Franchisees must continue to pay fees, follow operational standards, and otherwise comply with the agreement, regardless of the trademark's status. This clause highlights the importance of franchisees understanding that their obligations are broader than just the use of the trademarks; they encompass the entire franchise system and agreement.

For a prospective Chem Dry franchisee, this clause underscores the need to carefully evaluate the franchise agreement and understand all obligations. While the validity of the trademarks is important, franchisees should be aware that their financial and operational responsibilities continue even if the trademarks face legal challenges. It would be prudent for potential franchisees to seek legal counsel to fully understand the implications of this provision and how it might affect their investment and business operations.