What is the Circle K Franchisee's obligation to operate the store under the name 'Circle K®'?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee agrees to operate the Store under the Business System using the Marks in strict compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Franchisee will operate the Store under the name "Circle K" (the "Franchised Name"), and will not change the Franchised Name or use any other marks or names in the Franchised Name, or in any other manner, except with Franchisor's prior written approval.
Franchisee will at all times hold itself out to the public as an independent contractor operating the Store pursuant to a license from Franchisor.
Whenever practical, Franchisee will clearly indicate on its business checks, stationery, purchase orders, business cards, invoices, receipts, advertising and promotional materials, and other written materials that Franchisee is a "Circle K®" franchisee.
Franchisee will display signs at the Franchised Location that are clearly visible to the general public indicating that the Store is independently owned and operated as a franchised Circle K Store.
Franchisor has the right to modify, or discontinue the use of, any Marks or to substitute different trade names, service marks, trademarks, logos, designs, and commercial symbols as the Marks used to identify the Store or in connection with the operation of the Store.
Subject to Section 4.5, upon Franchisor's written instructions, Franchisee will, at its expense, and within the time period specified by Franchisor, make all modifications to the Marks displayed or otherwise used at the Franchised Location as required by Franchisor, and if so directed by Franchisor, Franchisee will cease using all discontinued Marks and commence using the "new" Marks.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 100)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Circle K Franchise Disclosure Agreement, franchisees must operate their store under the name "Circle K" and strictly adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in the franchise agreement. The franchisee cannot alter this name or use any other names or marks without obtaining prior written consent from Circle K. This requirement ensures brand consistency and uniformity across all franchised locations.
Circle K franchisees must present themselves as independent contractors operating under a license from Circle K. They are required to clearly indicate their status as a "Circle K®" franchisee on business checks, stationery, purchase orders, business cards, invoices, receipts, advertising, and promotional materials. Additionally, franchisees must display visible signs at their location indicating that the store is independently owned and operated as a franchised Circle K store.
Circle K retains the right to modify or discontinue any marks and substitute different trade names, service marks, trademarks, logos, designs, and commercial symbols. Franchisees are obligated to make all necessary modifications to displayed marks at their own expense and within the timeframe specified by Circle K. If directed, franchisees must cease using discontinued marks and begin using the new marks. This ensures that all Circle K stores maintain a consistent and up-to-date brand image as directed by the franchisor.