Can Cinnabon authorize others to advertise using the Proprietary Marks anywhere, regardless of my franchise location?

According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Cinnabon and its affiliates retain the right to authorize others to advertise using the Proprietary Marks anywhere. This means that Cinnabon has the authority to allow other entities to use its trademarks in advertising, irrespective of your franchise location. This could include national campaigns, regional promotions, or even allowing other businesses to use the Cinnabon name in their advertising.

This reserved right has significant implications for franchisees. While Cinnabon's advertising efforts are intended to benefit the entire brand, franchisees should recognize that they do not have control over who Cinnabon authorizes to advertise using the Proprietary Marks or where that advertising occurs. This could lead to situations where advertising efforts are concentrated in areas that do not directly benefit a particular franchisee's location.

It is important to note that this right is retained by Cinnabon without any obligation to provide compensation to franchisees. This is a common practice in franchising, where the franchisor maintains control over brand-related decisions to ensure consistency and protect the overall brand image. However, franchisees should be aware of this provision and consider its potential impact on their business.

Prospective franchisees should inquire about Cinnabon's advertising strategies and how they are implemented across different regions. Understanding the franchisor's approach to advertising and marketing can help franchisees assess the potential benefits and risks associated with this aspect of the franchise agreement.