Is a City Publications franchisee allowed to use designations that falsely suggest an association with City Publications?

According to the 2025 City Publications Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is restricted from using names that include "CITY PUBLICATIONS" or any of the brand's marks without explicit permission. Specifically, upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must cease using any assumed name or equivalent registration filed with state, city, or county authorities that contains the City Publications name or marks. The franchisee must provide evidence of compliance with this obligation to City Publications within 30 days of termination or expiration.

This requirement ensures that franchisees do not misrepresent their affiliation with City Publications after their agreement ends. This protects the brand's reputation and prevents potential confusion among customers. It also allows City Publications to maintain control over its brand identity and prevent unauthorized use of its trademarks.

In practical terms, this means a franchisee cannot continue to operate under a business name that implies they are still part of the City Publications franchise system once their agreement has ended. This includes domain names, phone listings, and any other form of business registration. The franchisee must take active steps to remove any association with the City Publications brand to avoid legal repercussions and maintain the integrity of the franchise system.