Are Craters & Freighters franchisees allowed to use the name of a celebrity in their advertising?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may develop advertising media for your own use, at your own cost providing all media is in compliance with current branding and System Standards. We must approve the advertising materials in advance and in writing. We do not have an advertising council composed of franchisees.
We have the sole right to market on the Internet and use our trademarks on the Internet, including all use of websites, domain names, URLs, directory addresses, email addresses, metatags, linking, advertising, cobranding and other arrangements, and in all other forms of electronic media. You may not separately register any domain name or any portion of a domain name containing our trademarks or participate or market on any website or other form of electronic media (including social technology, social media and social networking platforms) using our trademarks unless you first obtain written approval from us. Your general conduct on the Internet or other forms of electronic media, including your use of our trademarks or any advertising, is subject to the terms and conditions of the Franchise Agreement and any other rules, requirements or policies that we may identify from time to time.
Source: Item 18 — PUBLIC FIGURES (FDD page 44)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Craters & Freighters Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines regarding advertising and trademark usage. While the document does not explicitly address the use of celebrity names in advertising, it emphasizes that all advertising materials must comply with current branding and System Standards. Franchisees are allowed to develop advertising media for their own use at their own cost, but these materials require prior written approval from Craters & Freighters.
Craters & Freighters retains sole rights to market on the Internet and use their trademarks online, including websites, domain names, and social media. Franchisees need written approval to use Craters & Freighters' trademarks on any website or electronic media. This control extends to general conduct on the Internet, ensuring that all online activities align with the Franchise Agreement and any additional rules or policies set by Craters & Freighters.
Given these stipulations, a Craters & Freighters franchisee would likely need to seek explicit approval from the franchisor before using a celebrity's name in their advertising. The franchisor's approval process ensures that all marketing efforts align with the brand's standards and legal requirements. A prospective franchisee should clarify the specific conditions under which celebrity endorsements or mentions could be used in their advertising to avoid potential conflicts or violations of the franchise agreement.