From what sources can a Circle K licensee purchase Products?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (a) TMC hereby grants Licensee the non-exclusive right to use the CIRCLE K® trademarks, service marks, trade names, brand names, trade dress, logos, color patterns, color schemes, design schemes, insignia, images and/or other brand identifications identified on Exhibit A to this Agreement (the "Proprietary Marks") at the Premises and solely in connection with the advertising, marketing, and resale of motor fuel products including, without limitation, motor gasoline, on and off road diesel fuel and other specialty fuel (collectively, the "Products") all of which must meet TMC's standards and requirements.
Licensee acknowledges and agrees that it is required to purchase all items containing the Proprietary Marks, including all signage, from TMC's approved suppliers.
TMC will provide Licensee with a list of approved suppliers, which list TMC may modify from time to time.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 100–359)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a licensee is granted the right to use Circle K's Proprietary Marks for advertising, marketing, and reselling motor fuel products, which must meet Circle K's standards. The licensee is required to purchase all items containing the Proprietary Marks, including signage, from Circle K's approved suppliers. Circle K will provide the licensee with a list of approved suppliers, which Circle K may modify from time to time.
This means that while a Circle K licensee can sell motor fuel products, they are restricted in where they can source items bearing Circle K's branding. This ensures brand consistency across all Circle K locations. The licensee must adhere to the CIRCLE K Image Guide and purchase branded items from TMC's approved suppliers.
The licensee bears the expense of complying with Circle K's branding and image standards. Failure to comply with these standards can result in a breach of the agreement, as maintaining brand consistency is critical for Circle K. The licensee must stay updated with any modifications to the list of approved suppliers provided by Circle K.
Circle K retains the right to change or modify its Proprietary Marks, and the licensee must comply with any such changes. This ensures that all Circle K locations maintain a consistent and up-to-date brand image. The licensee is responsible for ensuring their premises comply with Circle K's quality standards and industry standards of service and cleanliness.