What is the Christian Brothers Automotive franchisee's obligation regarding the use of signs?
Christian_Brothers_Automotive Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
orporation
independent right to enforce it. Franchisee will submit copies of all such executed
Nondisclosure Agreements to Franchisor within ten (10) days of their execution.
- ADVERTISING AND MARKETING.
8.01 Advertising Standards. Franchisee will only use such advertising, identification and
promotional materials and programs (including, but not limited to, printed and broadcast
advertisements, stationery, business cards, press releases, signs, displays, leaflets,
newspaper inserts, promotional mail outs and promotional literature) which have been
furnished by Franchisor or been approved in advance by Franchisor in accordance with
Section 8.04. All advertising by Franchisee shall be conducted in a dignified manner, shall
conform to such standards, specifications and requirements as Franchisor may specify from
time to time in writing, in its Confidential Operations Manual or otherwise, and shall not
in any way detract from, reflect unfavorably upon, or denigrate the Marks, the System, the
products, or Franchisor.
8.02 Administration of Franchisor's Marketing Program. Franchisor or its designee may
administer Marketing Funds (as defined below) as follows:
(a) As provided in Section 4.02 of this Agreement, if Franchisor establishes any
Programs, Franchisee will pay to Franchisor a "Marketing Fee" of up to the
Maximum Annual Cost per Program fund per year. The Marketing Fee will be
combined with contributions made by all other franchisees of Franchisor that are
members of that Program to create marketing funds (the "Marketing Funds").
(b) Franchisor will have sole discretion over the creative concepts, materials and media
used in such Program, and the placement and allocation of advertising. Franchisee
acknowledges that the Marketing Funds are intended to further general public
Franchise Agreement (Ver 04-14-2025)
Franchisee: ___________
Franchisor: Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation
recognition and acceptance of the Marks for the benefit of the System and that
Franchisor and its designees undertake no obligation to make expenditures which
are equivalent or proportionate to Franchisee's contributions. Franchisor cannot
and does not represent or insure that each franchise member of a Program will
benefit directly or on a pro rata basis from the placement of advertising in
connection with a particular Program.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 76–372)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christian Brothers Automotive Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines regarding the use of signs and other advertising materials. Christian Brothers Automotive retains control over the brand's image and marketing strategies, so franchisees are obligated to use signs and advertising materials that are either provided by Christian Brothers Automotive or have received prior written approval from them. This includes printed and broadcast advertisements, stationery, business cards, press releases, displays, leaflets, newspaper inserts, promotional mail outs, and promotional literature.
Christian Brothers Automotive ensures that all advertising and promotional efforts maintain a consistent and dignified standard. Franchisees must conduct all advertising in a manner that conforms to the standards and specifications outlined by Christian Brothers Automotive, which may be communicated in writing, through the Confidential Operations Manual, or otherwise. The advertising must not detract from, reflect unfavorably upon, or denigrate the Christian Brothers Automotive marks, the system, or the products offered.
Christian Brothers Automotive also has the right to modify or discontinue the use of any name or mark and/or to adopt or use one or more additional or substituted names or marks. In such cases, the franchisee is responsible for promptly conforming to these changes at their own expense. While Christian Brothers Automotive will consider the documented costs of compliance (such as changing signs and letterheads) as an Approved Expense Item, the franchisee waives any other claims related to the modification or substitution of marks. Upon termination of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must discontinue all use of Christian Brothers Automotive's marks, including on signs, and must not operate under any name that could give the impression of being a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise.