What document specifies how a Churchs Chicken franchisee must use the Proprietary Marks?
Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We grant you the right under the Franchise Agreement to operate the Restaurant under the System and the Proprietary Marks. You must use the Proprietary Marks only at the Restaurant and only in the way we specify in the Franchise Agreement, Manuals or otherwise in writing. If you use the Proprietary Marks in any other way, you may be in violation of the Franchise Agreement and you may also be infringing on our trademarks and service marks.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 45–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Agreement and the Manual outline how a franchisee must use the Proprietary Marks. Churchs Chicken grants the franchisee the right to operate under the System and Proprietary Marks, but this use is restricted to the restaurant location and must adhere to the specifications outlined in the Franchise Agreement, the Manual, or other written communication from Churchs Chicken.
The FDD emphasizes that using the Proprietary Marks in any way not explicitly permitted could lead to a violation of the Franchise Agreement and potential trademark infringement. This means a Churchs Chicken franchisee needs to be very careful about how and where they use the brand's logos, names, and other identifying marks.
Furthermore, the right to use the Proprietary Marks is not exclusive, and Churchs Chicken retains the right to grant licenses to others and develop other franchise systems with similar marks. This highlights the importance of franchisees adhering to the guidelines to maintain brand consistency and avoid any actions that could dilute or infringe upon Churchs Chicken's trademarks. Franchisees must also notify Churchs Chicken of any suspected infringement of the Proprietary Marks.