Can Cicis license others to use the Cicis System in any business located anywhere in the world?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- use and license others to use the System and any elements of the System in any business located or operated anywhere in the world;
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- own and operate, and license others to own and operate, or otherwise become associated with, any business, anywhere in the world, that uses or is identified by any names, symbols or trademarks, except, as described above, in a restaurant that is located in the Development Area and is identified by the Marks;
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- acquire, be acquired by, merge, affiliate with or engage in any transaction with other businesses (whether competitive or not) located anywhere and, even if such businesses are located in the Development Area, (i) convert the other businesses to the Cicis brand, (ii) allow such other businesses to operate as part of the System, whether or not converted to the Cicis, and/or (iii) permit the other businesses to continue to operate under another name;
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- solicit customers, advertise, and authorize others to advertise, and promote sales of and from Cicis Restaurants, and fill customer orders by providing catering and delivery services anywhere, including within the Development Area; and
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- market and sell, and grant to others the right to market and sell, within and outside of the Development Area, products and services authorized for sale at Cicis Restaurants through alternative channels of distribution such as Internet, catalog sales, telemarketing, or other direct marketing sales (like grocery stores, kiosks, mail order, Internet merchandise sales and catalogue sales, or through Cicis To Go) using the Marks or other trademarks and commercial symbols.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 65–263)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Cicis retains the right to use and license others to use the Cicis System, or any part of it, in any business located or operated anywhere in the world. This means that Cicis has broad authority to expand its brand and system globally through various channels, without necessarily granting exclusive rights to franchisees in specific territories.
This reservation of rights has several implications for a Cicis franchisee. First, Cicis can operate or license others to operate businesses under the Cicis System anywhere, potentially including within or near a franchisee's Development Area, although the agreement specifies certain protections regarding the Development Area. Second, Cicis can associate with any business, anywhere in the world, that uses Cicis's names, symbols, or trademarks, except in a restaurant within the Development Area identified by the Marks, giving Cicis flexibility in forming partnerships or acquisitions. Third, Cicis can market and sell products and services authorized for sale at Cicis Restaurants through alternative channels of distribution, such as the Internet or direct marketing, both within and outside the Development Area.
These rights allow Cicis to adapt to changing market conditions and pursue various growth strategies. However, it also means that franchisees may face competition from other Cicis-branded businesses or alternative distribution channels, even within their general market area. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these factors and evaluate how Cicis's broader rights might affect their business.
It is important for potential franchisees to discuss these rights with Cicis to understand how they might be implemented and what protections, if any, are in place to mitigate potential competition within their Development Area. Understanding these terms is crucial for assessing the risks and opportunities associated with a Cicis franchise.