Can a Chicken Guy franchisee modify the Proprietary Marks in any way?
Chicken_Guy Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must follow our rules when you use our Proprietary Marks. You may not use the Proprietary Marks on any vehicles without our prior written approval. You may not modify the Proprietary Marks in any manner in connection with your display of, or creation or duplication of materials bearing, the Proprietary Marks. You may not use the Proprietary Marks or any variations of the Proprietary Marks or marks or names confusingly similar to the Proprietary Marks in any manner not authorized by Chicken Guy or in any corporate, limited liability company or partnership name and may not use any other trade names, service marks or trademarks in conjunction with the Franchised Restaurant. You must use the symbol ® with all registered marks and the symbol ™ with all pending registrations or other marks. You may not use the Proprietary Marks in connection with the sale of any unauthorized products or services or in any manner not authorized in writing by us.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 36–38)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chicken Guy's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not allowed to modify the Proprietary Marks in any way. The FDD states that franchisees may not modify the Proprietary Marks in any manner when displaying, creating, or duplicating materials that bear the marks. This restriction ensures brand consistency and protects the integrity of the Chicken Guy brand.
In addition to the prohibition on modifying the marks, franchisees are also restricted from using the Proprietary Marks in unauthorized ways. They cannot use the marks on vehicles without prior written approval, in any manner not authorized by Chicken Guy, or in any corporate, limited liability company, or partnership name. Franchisees also cannot use other trade names, service marks, or trademarks in conjunction with the Franchised Restaurant. These rules are in place to prevent confusion among customers and to maintain a consistent brand image across all Chicken Guy locations.
Furthermore, franchisees must use the appropriate symbols (® for registered marks and ™ for pending registrations) when using the Proprietary Marks. They are also prohibited from using the marks in connection with the sale of any unauthorized products or services or in any manner not authorized in writing by Chicken Guy. These detailed regulations highlight the importance Chicken Guy places on protecting its brand identity and ensuring that franchisees adhere to strict guidelines when using the Proprietary Marks.