Can a Clear Pest Pros franchisee register any variations of the Marks as Internet domain names?
Clear_Pest_Pros Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
the domain name www.clearpestpros.com. You cannot register any of the Marks that are now or in the future owned by us or any abbreviation, acronym or variation of the Marks, or any other name that could be deemed confusingly similar, as Internet domain names. We retain the sole right to advertise the system on the Internet and to create, operate, maintain and modify, or discontinue using any website containing the Marks. You may access our website. Except as we authorize in writing in advance, however, you cannot: (i) link or frame our website; (ii) conduct any business or offer to sell or advertise any products or services on the Internet; or (iii) create or register any Internet domain names in connection with your Clear Pest Pros Business.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 67–68)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Clear Pest Pros's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from registering any variations of the brand's marks as internet domain names. The FDD states that franchisees cannot register any marks currently or in the future owned by Clear Pest Pros, including any abbreviation, acronym, or variation of the marks, or any name that could be deemed confusingly similar, as internet domain names. Clear Pest Pros retains the sole right to advertise the System on the Internet and to create, operate, maintain, modify, or discontinue any website using the Marks.
This restriction is further reinforced by the clause that franchisees may not create or register any internet domain names in connection with their Clear Pest Pros Business, unless expressly authorized in writing by Clear Pest Pros. The only exception to this rule is that franchisees are allowed to list their Clear Pest Pros Business in an online directory.
This policy ensures that Clear Pest Pros maintains control over its brand identity and online presence. It prevents franchisees from creating domain names that could potentially confuse customers or dilute the brand. While franchisees are restricted from independently managing web content, they can seek written authorization from Clear Pest Pros for specific online activities. This stringent control over domain names and online marketing is common in franchising to protect brand uniformity and customer experience.