Does City Publications have the right to modify its marks?

According to City Publications's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, City Publications retains the right to modify its trademarks. The FDD states that franchisees must comply with any changes City Publications requires to its marks. This means that City Publications can change its trade names, trademarks, service marks, and logos, and franchisees are obligated to implement these changes in their businesses.

This provision is important for prospective franchisees to understand. While franchisees are granted the right to use City Publications's trademarks, this right is subject to change at the discretion of City Publications. Franchisees must stay updated on any modifications to the marks and ensure their businesses comply with these changes. Failure to comply could result in a breach of the franchise agreement.

In the event of trademark changes, City Publications is obligated to protect the franchisee against claims of infringement from third parties, based on the proper use of the marks. Franchisees are also obligated to notify City Publications of any similar trademark uses by third parties. City Publications will then take action on those uses that it deems appropriate. In such cases, City Publications controls any administrative proceeding or litigation involving the trademarks, and franchisees are required to participate, at City Publications's direction, in any administrative action or litigation. City Publications will indemnify franchisees from any claims resulting from their proper use of the marks.