If City Wide develops new marks, is the franchisee authorized to use them?
City_Wide Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You are authorized to use the Marks appearing in both tables above, or other Marks subsequently developed and designated by CITY WIDE, in the operation of your Franchised Business, if you do so following CITY WIDE's standards and specifications.
CITY WIDE may change or modify the System presently identified by the Marks including the adoption and use of new or modified trade names, service marks, trademarks or copyrighted materials, new programs or systems for the franchise system, new product lines, new employee training, new equipment
or new techniques and you shall accept, use and display any changes in the System as if they were part of the Franchise Agreement at the time of its execution.
All usage of the Marks by you and any goodwill established thereby will inure to the exclusive benefit of CITY WIDE and its Licensor. You are prohibited from contesting the validity or ownership of any of the Marks or assisting any other person in contesting the validity or ownership of any Marks during the term of the Franchise Agreement or at any time thereafter.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 39–41)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are authorized to use not only the existing marks but also any new marks that City Wide develops and designates. However, this authorization is contingent upon the franchisee adhering to City Wide's standards and specifications in the operation of their franchised business. This means that franchisees must follow the guidelines set by City Wide when using these marks.
City Wide retains the right to modify the system, including adopting new trade names, service marks, trademarks, or copyrighted materials. Franchisees are obligated to accept, use, and display these changes as if they were part of the original Franchise Agreement. This ensures uniformity and consistency across all City Wide franchises, maintaining brand integrity.
All goodwill generated from the use of these marks by the franchisee will benefit City Wide and its licensor. The franchisee is prohibited from challenging the validity or ownership of any of the marks, both during and after the term of the Franchise Agreement. This protects City Wide's intellectual property rights and ensures that the franchisee acknowledges City Wide's ownership of the marks.