Who owns the Marks (defined below) and has granted the right to sublicense to Cicis franchisees?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Our affiliate, Yes Caps, LLC ("Yes Caps"), owns the Marks (defined below) and has granted us the right to sublicense to our franchisees the right to use the Marks in accordance with the Franchise Agreements (defined below). Yes Caps shares our principal business address. Yes Caps has never operated a business similar to what you will operate and does not currently offer, and has never offered, franchises in any line of business.
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 6–8)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Yes Caps, LLC owns the Marks and has granted Cicis the right to sublicense the use of the Marks to its franchisees. Yes Caps, LLC is identified as an affiliate of Cicis and shares the same principal business address as Cicis. The Marks refer to the specified names, trademarks, service marks, commercial symbols, and trade dress (including exterior and interior designs, décor, and color schemes) that Cicis authorizes for its restaurants.
This arrangement means that while Cicis franchisees use the brand's intellectual property, the ownership and control of these assets reside with a separate, affiliated entity. This is a fairly common practice in franchising, as it can help to protect the brand's intellectual property and manage risk.
For a prospective Cicis franchisee, this information is important for understanding the structure of the Cicis franchise system and the relationships between the different entities involved. It clarifies that Yes Caps, LLC ultimately controls the brand's intellectual property, and Cicis has the right to sublicense it. This arrangement is formalized through the Franchise Agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions under which franchisees can use the Marks. Franchisees should review the Franchise Agreement carefully to understand their rights and obligations regarding the use of the Cicis brand and associated intellectual property.