According to the Cinnabon franchise agreement, who owns the Marks?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
9.1 Marks.
A. Acknowledgements. You acknowledge that we or our affiliates are the owner of the Marks, that you have no interest in the Marks beyond the non-exclusive license granted herein, and that, as between we and you, we have the exclusive right and interest in and to the
Marks and the goodwill associated with and symbolized by them. Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, no monetary amount will be attributable to goodwill associated with your activities as a franchisee under this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 114–399)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cinnabon Franchise Disclosure Document, Cinnabon or its affiliates own the Marks. The agreement specifies that a franchisee has no interest in the Marks beyond the non-exclusive license granted to them. Cinnabon retains the exclusive right and interest in the Marks and the goodwill associated with them. Upon termination of the Franchise Agreement, no monetary amount will be attributable to goodwill associated with the franchisee's activities.
This means that while a Cinnabon franchisee has the right to use Cinnabon's trademarks and service marks to operate their franchised business, they do not gain any ownership or equity in those Marks. The franchisee's right to use the Marks is limited to the specific terms outlined in the franchise agreement.
Cinnabon retains the right to modify the Marks, adding new trade names, service marks, and trademarks, which will also be included in the definition of "Marks." The franchisee's license to use the Marks applies only to the franchised business operated at the approved location and in compliance with Cinnabon's written rules and standards. The franchisee cannot use the Marks in any manner not expressly authorized in writing by Cinnabon, such as in corporate names, domain names, or unauthorized products.