Who licenses TMC the right to use the trademarks in its franchise program for Circle K?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Circle K Stores Inc. is our parent, the owner of all of our common stock, and the owner of the Circle K trademarks. Circle K Stores Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas on June 8, 1951. The principal business address and telephone number of Circle K Stores Inc. is also 1130 West Warner Road, Tempe, Arizona 85284, (602) 728-8000. Circle K Stores Inc. has never offered franchises in any other line of business. Circle K Stores Inc. licenses TMC the right to use the trademarks in its franchise program.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 10–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Circle K Stores Inc. licenses TMC Franchise Corporation (TMC) the right to use the trademarks in its franchise program. Circle K Stores Inc. is the parent company of TMC and owns all of TMC's common stock, as well as the Circle K trademarks themselves.
This arrangement is typical in franchising, where a parent company owns the intellectual property and licenses it to a subsidiary (the franchisor) for the purpose of franchising. This structure allows the parent company to maintain control over its brand and trademarks while delegating the day-to-day operations of franchising to the subsidiary.
For a prospective Circle K franchisee, this means that their right to use the Circle K trademarks is ultimately derived from Circle K Stores Inc., the owner of those trademarks, through the license granted to TMC. This structure is important for franchisees to understand, as it clarifies the relationship between the various entities involved in the franchise system and highlights the importance of adhering to the standards and requirements associated with the use of the Circle K trademarks.