What is a Christian Brothers Automotive franchisee prohibited from doing regarding the company's trademarks?
Christian_Brothers_Automotive Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must follow our rules when you use the marks, names, trade dress and similar items developed by CBAC. You cannot use a name or mark as part of your corporate or business name, or with modifying words, designs or symbols, except those which CBAC licenses or permits you to use. You may not use CBAC's registered name in connection with the sale of any service or product except as is specifically authorized by CBAC in writing, nor can you use these in a manner not authorized in writing by CBAC. No agreements limit CBAC's right to use or license the use of CBAC's trademarks.
You must notify CBAC immediately when you learn about any actual or possible infringement of or challenge to your use of our trademark. CBAC will take the action we think is appropriate.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 54–56)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Christian Brothers Automotive's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees face several restrictions regarding the use of the company's trademarks. Specifically, a franchisee cannot use a Christian Brothers Automotive name or mark as part of their corporate or business name, or with any modifying words, designs, or symbols, unless Christian Brothers Automotive explicitly licenses or permits such use. This ensures brand consistency and prevents franchisees from creating potentially confusing or diluting variations of the core brand.
Furthermore, franchisees are prohibited from using Christian Brothers Automotive's registered name in connection with the sale of any service or product, except as specifically authorized in writing by Christian Brothers Automotive. They also cannot use the trademarks in any manner not explicitly authorized in writing by Christian Brothers Automotive. These restrictions are in place to maintain control over the brand's reputation and the quality of services and products associated with it. Christian Brothers Automotive retains the right to use or license its trademarks without any limitations imposed by agreements with franchisees.
Additionally, the FDD states that franchisees must not directly or indirectly contest Christian Brothers Automotive's rights to its trademarks, trade secrets, or business techniques that are integral to the business. If a trademark is modified or discontinued by Christian Brothers Automotive, franchisees must comply and modify or discontinue its use accordingly. While the tangible costs of compliance, limited to changing signs, will be considered an Approved Expense Item, this highlights the franchisee's obligation to adhere to Christian Brothers Automotive's branding standards and any changes made to them.