How must Cordova franchisees be authorized to use the Licensed Marks?
Cordova Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Under the terms of the Franchise Agreement, you will be granted a license to use the "Cordova" trademark and those other marks identified in the table below in connection with the operations of the Franchised Business. Our affiliate Cordova IP, LLC is the owner of the Licensed Marks and has granted to us a license with an initial 20 year term and with automatic renewal thereafter to use the Licensed Marks and to license our franchisees to use the Licensed Marks (the "License Agreement"). Although the License Agreement may be terminated as a result of a breach of the License Agreement, in the event of any termination of the License Agreement, our franchisees will continue to maintain the right to use the Marks pursuant to the terms of their Franchise Agreement. Termination of the License Agreement does not terminate use of the Marks by our authorized franchisees. We reserve the right to supplement and modify the marks that you may or may not use in connection with the operations of your Cordova Business. You may only use the Licensed Marks as authorized by us in writing and under the terms of your Franchise Agreement. You may not use the Licensed Marks in the name of any Corporate Entity that you establish.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 30–31)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cordova's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are granted a license to use the "Cordova" trademark and other identified marks for their franchised business operations under the terms of the Franchise Agreement. Cordova IP, LLC owns the Licensed Marks and has granted Cordova a license to use and sublicense these marks to its franchisees. Even if the License Agreement between Cordova and Cordova IP, LLC is terminated due to a breach, franchisees retain the right to use the marks as per their Franchise Agreement. Cordova retains the right to modify the marks used in connection with the Cordova business.
Franchisees can only use the Licensed Marks as authorized by Cordova in writing and under the terms of their Franchise Agreement. The marks cannot be used in the name of any corporate entity established by the franchisee. This means a franchisee must adhere strictly to the brand guidelines and obtain explicit written approval from Cordova for any use of the trademarks. This ensures brand consistency and protects the integrity of the Cordova brand.
Cordova also requires franchisees to provide written notice of any claims related to the Licensed Marks, including their use or any third-party use of similar trademarks. Cordova maintains exclusive discretion over any action taken in response to trademark infringement, challenges, or claims. Franchisees must sign documents and undertake actions deemed necessary by Cordova, with reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket administrative expenses incurred in complying with written instructions. This places the responsibility for managing trademark-related legal issues primarily on Cordova, while requiring franchisees to cooperate in protecting the brand's trademarks.