Must a City Publications franchisee obtain fictitious or assumed name registrations as required under applicable law?

According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee files any assumed name or equivalent registration with state, city, or county authorities that contains the name "CITY PUBLICATIONS" or any of its marks, the franchisee must provide satisfactory evidence of compliance to City Publications within 30 days after the termination or expiration of the franchise agreement.

This requirement ensures that City Publications maintains control over its brand name and trademarks. By requiring franchisees to register assumed names and provide evidence of compliance, City Publications can track and manage the use of its brand within different jurisdictions. This is a standard practice in franchising, as it protects the franchisor's intellectual property and ensures consistent branding across all franchise locations.

For a prospective City Publications franchisee, this means being aware of the local regulations regarding assumed name registrations and complying with them if their business name includes "CITY PUBLICATIONS" or any of City Publications' trademarks. Failing to comply could result in a breach of the franchise agreement and potential legal consequences. Additionally, upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must relinquish any rights to use the "CITY PUBLICATIONS" name and transfer any associated telephone numbers or listings to City Publications.