Does City Wide require franchisees to utilize specific notices of ownership, registration, and copyright?
City_Wide Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee's employees or agents and only in connection with the Franchised Business.
- 5.8 Franchisee may use the Marks only to identify the Franchised Business and the products and services specifically identified as a part of the System from time to time in the Operating Manual.
- 5.9 Franchisee will not interfere in any manner with, or attempt to prohibit, the use of the Marks or the System by CITY WIDE or by any of CITY WIDE's other franchisees or licensees.
- 5.10 Franchisee further agrees and covenants to operate and advertise only under the name or names from time to time designated by CITY WIDE for use by similar System franchisees; to adopt and use the Marks in the manner prescribed by CITY WIDE at its sole and absolute right; to refrain from using the Marks to perform any activity or to incur any obligation or indebtedness in such a manner as may, in any way, subject CITY WIDE to liability; to observe all laws with respect to the registration of trade names and assumed or fictitious names, to include in any application for such names a statement that Franchisee's use of the Marks is limited by the terms of this Agreement, and to provide CITY WIDE with a copy of any such application and other registration document(s);
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific requirements regarding trademark, service mark, and copyright notices. Franchisees are required to observe all laws pertaining to trade name registrations, including a statement in any application that their use of the marks is limited by the terms of the Franchise Agreement. They must also provide City Wide with copies of all applications and registration documents.
City Wide franchisees are obligated to include "SM," "TM," or "R" in a circle adjacent to all such marks in any and all uses thereof, and to utilize such other appropriate notice of ownership, registration, and copyright as City Wide may require. Furthermore, franchisees must ensure that the proper copyright notice appears on all copies of materials promulgated by City Wide, including printed copies of the Operating Manual.
These stipulations ensure that City Wide maintains control over its brand and protects its intellectual property. By requiring franchisees to use specific notices and registrations, City Wide aims to prevent any unauthorized use of its marks and to maintain consistent branding across all franchise locations. This is a common practice in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their trademarks and copyrights to maintain the value and integrity of the brand. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in a breach of the franchise agreement.