Does Christian Brothers Automotive grant a license to use and display the Marks?
Christian_Brothers_Automotive Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
1.02 Grant of License to Use Marks. Franchisor grants to Franchisee, and Franchisee accepts, a nonexclusive license to use and display the Marks in connection with the operation of the Franchised Business, and the Services (as defined below) in and only in the Territory described below pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. "Services" shall mean the services authorized by Franchisor to be offered or provided by Franchisee in connection with the Franchised Business, including the sale of products authorized by Franchisor.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 76–372)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Christian Brothers Automotive's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Christian Brothers Automotive grants franchisees a nonexclusive license to use and display its Marks. Specifically, the franchisee can use the Marks in connection with the operation of the Franchised Business and the Services, but only within the designated territory and according to the agreement's terms. The term "Services" refers to those services authorized by Christian Brothers Automotive to be offered or provided by the franchisee, including the sale of authorized products.
This license is non-exclusive, meaning Christian Brothers Automotive retains the right to use the Marks themselves, grant licenses to others, and develop other systems using similar marks without any obligation to the franchisee. The franchisee's use of the Marks must adhere to the guidelines set forth in Christian Brothers Automotive's Confidential Operations Manual, which may be amended from time to time. Franchisees cannot erect or display any signs, trademarks, logotypes, symbols, or service marks without prior written approval from Christian Brothers Automotive, except as expressly provided in the manual.
The franchisee is also restricted from using Christian Brothers Automotive's Marks or trade name, or any similar words or symbols, in the franchisee's trade or entity name, unless specifically authorized in writing by Christian Brothers Automotive. This includes prohibitions on using variations of "Christian Brothers" or "Christian Brothers Automotive" in any such name without written permission. Franchisees must also adhere to Christian Brothers Automotive's directions regarding the use of Marks and are prohibited from using any Mark with prefixes, suffixes, or other modifications unless explicitly permitted.
Overall, while Christian Brothers Automotive grants a license to use its Marks, this license is subject to numerous conditions and restrictions designed to protect the brand's integrity and control its use. Franchisees must be diligent in adhering to these guidelines to avoid infringing on Christian Brothers Automotive's rights and potentially breaching the franchise agreement.