How must a Cicis franchisee identify themselves as the owner of their Restaurant?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- B.
Use of the Marks.
With respect to your use of the Marks licensed pursuant to this Agreement:
- (1) Unless we otherwise authorize or require, you will operate and advertise your Restaurant only under the name "Cicis" without prefix or suffix.
However, you will not sign any legal documents or contracts referring to you simply as "Cicis." You will not use the Marks as part of your corporate or other legal name.
- (2) You must, at all times, identify yourself as the independent owner of your Restaurant and not do anything to indicate that you are our affiliate, including uses on invoices, order forms, receipts, and contracts.
At a minimum, you must display a notice to that effect, in such content and form and at such conspicuous locations as we may designate from time to time.
(3) You will not use the Marks to incur any obligation or indebtedness on our behalf.
(4) You will use the trade name we assign to your Restaurant and will comply with all applicable Laws related to the filing of trade name or fictitious name registrations.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must always identify themselves as the independent owner of their restaurant. They cannot take any actions that would suggest they are an affiliate of Cicis. This includes how they present themselves on invoices, order forms, receipts, and contracts. At a minimum, franchisees must display a notice to that effect, with the content, form, and location of the notice as designated by Cicis.
This requirement ensures customers and other parties understand that the franchisee is an independent business owner and not directly part of the Cicis corporate structure. This distinction is important for legal and operational reasons, as it clarifies the franchisee's responsibilities and liabilities.
Furthermore, franchisees are prohibited from signing legal documents or contracts referring to themselves simply as "Cicis." They also cannot incorporate the Cicis trademarks into their corporate or legal name. Franchisees must also use the trade name assigned to their Restaurant and comply with all applicable laws related to trade name or fictitious name registrations.
These rules are typical in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their brand identity and avoid potential legal issues arising from misrepresentation. Franchisees should carefully adhere to these guidelines to maintain compliance with the franchise agreement and avoid any potential penalties or termination of their franchise.