What must a Cicis franchisee place on business cards and advertising materials to indicate independent ownership?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
This Agreement does not create a fiduciary relationship between you and us. You and we are and will be independent contractors, and nothing in this Agreement is intended to make either you or us a general or special agent, joint venturer, partner, or employee of the other for any purpose. You agree to identify yourself conspicuously in all dealings with customers, vendors, public officials, your personnel, and others as the owner of your business under a franchise we have granted and to place notices of independent ownership on the business cards, advertising, and other materials we periodically require.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 65–263)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must conspicuously identify themselves as the owner of their business operating under a Cicis franchise. This disclosure must be present in all dealings with customers, vendors, public officials, and personnel.
To ensure clarity and transparency, Cicis requires franchisees to include notices of independent ownership on business cards, advertising materials, and other materials as periodically required by the company. This requirement aims to prevent any confusion about the relationship between the franchisee and the franchisor, Cicis.
This stipulation is a standard practice in franchising, designed to reinforce the franchisee's status as an independent contractor rather than an employee or agent of Cicis. By clearly stating their independent ownership, franchisees take responsibility for their business operations while leveraging the Cicis brand and system.