Can a Craters & Freighters franchisee use a modified form of the trademark?

According to the 2025 Craters & Freighters Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from using the company's trade name or trademarks in any modified form. This restriction extends to incorporating the trademarks with prefixes, suffixes, or any other modifying words, terms, designs, or symbols.

This policy ensures brand consistency across all Craters & Freighters franchise locations. By preventing franchisees from altering the trademarks, Craters & Freighters aims to maintain a uniform brand image and avoid potential customer confusion. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as consistent branding is crucial for building and maintaining brand recognition and customer loyalty.

If Craters & Freighters determines that it is necessary to modify or discontinue the use of any mark, the franchisee is obligated to comply with the company's directions within a reasonable timeframe. However, Craters & Freighters will not reimburse the franchisee for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in modifying or discontinuing the use of a mark, including costs related to signage changes or loss of goodwill. This could pose a financial risk to the franchisee if the company decides to rebrand or change its trademarks.