Where can I find information about the Circle K marks, business system, and techniques?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
gement of the Store and identified by name on the signature page of this Agreement, if Franchisee is a legal entity. The Key Individual must be a person authorized to represent and bind Franchisee in all matters arising under this Agreement (including all related agreements) and all matters relating to the Store.
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- "Marks" means the name "Circle K," and certain other distinctive trademarks, trade names, service marks, copyrights, interior and exterior building designs and specifications (including the unique motif, décor, and color combinations that comprise the trade dress of Circle K Stores), slogans, logos, social media indicators, social media handles and commercial symbols together with all goodwill associated therewith, as identified in the Business Systems Manuals or otherwise by Franchisor in writing.
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- "Methods" means the unique and distinguishing characteristics and methods for the operation of Circle K Stores, including without limitation, exterior and interior construction designs, equipment layout, operating methods, services, advertising and promotional materials, sales techniques, signs, personnel management and control systems, and bookkeeping and accounting systems, and systems for inventory control.
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- "New Store" means a convenience store that is not a Conversion Store, but is to be constructed and operated under the Marks and the Business System pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
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- "Open Date" means the date on which the Franchisor deems the Store to have first opened for business, in accordance with the terms hereof.
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- "Principal Equity Holders" means, if Franchisee is a corporation, the shareholders of such corporation owning directly or beneficially 10% or more of such corporation's stock upon the Effective Date or at any time thereafter, and, if Franchisee is a partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity, the holders that own, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the equity interests in such entity, as of the Effective Date or at any time thereafter.
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- "Store" means the Circle K Store located at the Franchised Location and operated by Franchisee under the Marks and the Business System, subject to the terms of this Agreement.
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- "Store Manager" means an employee of Franchisee designated by Franchisee to work at, and have the responsibility for managing the day-to-day operations of, the Store.
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- "Techniques" means the Methods, together with the Confidential Information, owned by Franchisor and its Affiliates and licensed by Franchisor to its franchisees for the operation of Circle K Stores.
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- "Transfer Date" means (a) the date on which the Store is transferred to Franchisee hereunder, if the Store is an Existing Store, or (b) the date the Store is transferred to a new franchisee if the Store is being transferred or sold to a third party in accordance with the terms hereof.
DMS_US.371161686.7
Exhibit 1 to Franchise Agreement
DATA SHEET
| 1. | Franchisee: |
|---|---|
| 2. | Franchised Location. |
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 100)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, information regarding Circle K's marks, business systems, and techniques can be found within the franchise agreement and associated manuals. The franchise agreement itself defines key terms related to these aspects of the franchise. Specifically, the agreement outlines what constitutes the "Marks," referring to the Circle K name, trademarks, trade names, service marks, copyrights, building designs, slogans, logos, social media elements, and commercial symbols, along with the associated goodwill. The agreement also refers to the Business Systems Manuals.
The Business Systems Manuals, which Circle K provides to the franchisee, contain mandatory provisions that the franchisee must adhere to. These manuals are subject to revisions by Circle K, and the franchisee is responsible for keeping them current. The master copy of the Business Systems Manuals maintained by Circle K will be controlling in the event of any dispute. Franchisees receive specialized training from Circle K and access to Circle K's research and development, trade secrets, and other Confidential Information pertaining to the Business System and the operation of Circle K Stores.
Additionally, the franchise agreement defines "Methods" as the unique characteristics for operating Circle K stores, including construction designs, equipment layout, operating methods, services, advertising materials, sales techniques, signs, personnel management systems, and bookkeeping systems. The term "Techniques" encompasses both these Methods and the Confidential Information licensed to franchisees. Unauthorized use of the Marks or the Business System by the franchisee constitutes an infringement of Circle K's rights and a material default under the agreement.