What is the franchisee's obligation regarding the use of designations of origin that falsely suggest an association with Cicis after termination?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you continue to operate or subsequently begin to operate any other business, then you must not use any reproduction, counterfeit, copy, or colorable imitation of the Marks, either in connection with such other business or the promotion thereof, which is likely to cause confusion, mistake, or deception, or which is likely to dilute our or our affiliates' rights in and to the Marks, and you must not utilize any designation of origin, description, or representation which falsely suggests or represents an association or connection with us constituting unfair competition.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, after the termination of the Franchise Agreement, a franchisee must not utilize any designation of origin, description, or representation that falsely suggests an association or connection with Cicis. This includes any actions that could be considered unfair competition.
In practical terms, this means that if a franchisee continues to operate any other business after their Cicis franchise agreement ends, they cannot use any branding, logos, or other identifying marks that could lead customers to believe they are still affiliated with Cicis. This restriction aims to prevent customer confusion and protect Cicis's brand reputation and intellectual property rights.
This obligation is standard in franchising to ensure that former franchisees do not unfairly benefit from the franchisor's established brand name and goodwill after the franchise relationship has ended. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in legal action from Cicis to protect its trademarks and prevent unfair competition.