Who owns the Circle K trademarks?
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. owns the Circle K trademarks. TMC Franchise Corporation is the franchisor, but Circle K Stores Inc. is its parent company and the owner of all of TMC's common stock. TMC Franchise Corporation is granted the right to use these trademarks in its franchise program through a license from Circle K Stores Inc.
This ownership structure is typical in franchising, where a parent company owns the intellectual property and licenses it to a subsidiary for franchising purposes. This arrangement allows the parent company to maintain control over the brand and ensure consistent standards across all franchised locations. For a prospective franchisee, this means that while they are contracting with TMC Franchise Corporation, the ultimate control of the Circle K brand rests with Circle K Stores Inc.
It's important for potential franchisees to understand the relationship between TMC Franchise Corporation and Circle K Stores Inc. because decisions made by Circle K Stores Inc. regarding the brand could impact the franchise system. Franchisees should also note that TMC Franchise Corporation also owns the rights to the On the Run and Kangaroo Express franchise systems.