What are the rules regarding a Circle K franchisee's business name?
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 not use any of the Marks or anything similar thereto, in or as part of its corporate, sole proprietorship, partnership or other legal entity name.
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 Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines regarding their business name. Franchisees are required to operate the store under the name "Circle K," referred to as the "Franchised Name," and cannot alter this name or use any other marks or names without prior written approval from Circle K. This restriction extends to the franchisee's corporate, sole proprietorship, partnership, or other legal entity name, ensuring that none of the Circle K marks or anything similar is used as part of the franchisee's business legal name.
Circle K requires franchisees to present themselves as independent contractors operating under a license from Circle K. To ensure clarity, franchisees must indicate on business checks, stationery, purchase orders, business cards, invoices, receipts, advertising, and promotional materials that they are a "Circle K®" franchisee whenever practical. Additionally, franchisees must display clearly visible signs at the franchised 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 the use of any marks and substitute different trade names, service marks, trademarks, logos, designs, and commercial symbols. Franchisees are obligated, at their own expense and within the timeframe specified by Circle K, to make all necessary modifications to the marks displayed or used at the franchised location as instructed by Circle K. Franchisees must also cease using any discontinued marks and begin using the new marks if directed by Circle K. These stipulations ensure uniformity and brand consistency across all Circle K franchise locations.