Can a Closet Storage Concepts franchisee sublicense any of the Proprietary Marks?
Closet_Storage_Concepts Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you purchase a Closet & Storage Concepts franchise, the following is a list of the principal trademarks that we currently license to you (the "Proprietary Marks"). The following principal Marks have been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") on the Principal Register. You may not sublicense any Mark without our permission. This list may not be an exhaustive list of all Marks owned by us or our affiliates.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 40–41)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Closet Storage Concepts's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not permitted to sublicense any of the Proprietary Marks without the franchisor's permission. The Proprietary Marks include the principal trademarks that Closet Storage Concepts licenses to its franchisees. These marks are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
This restriction means that a Closet Storage Concepts franchisee cannot grant any third party the right to use the Closet Storage Concepts trademarks. This is a standard clause in most franchise agreements, as the franchisor needs to maintain strict control over its brand and ensure consistent quality and representation across all franchise locations. Allowing franchisees to sublicense the trademarks could dilute the brand and create inconsistencies that would negatively impact the entire franchise system.
The FDD lists several of the registered Proprietary Marks, including "Closet & Storage Concepts," "Closet & Storage Concepts (plus design)," "Conquer Closet Clutter," "GETTING ORGANIZED IS ALWAYS IN STYLE!," "GOT SPACE?," and "MAKE ROOM FOR LIFE." The registration numbers and dates are also provided for most of these marks. This list gives prospective franchisees a clear understanding of the trademarks they will be authorized to use, subject to the franchisor's guidelines and restrictions.