Are Craters & Freighters franchisees allowed to use the name of a celebrity in their promotional efforts?
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 when it comes to advertising and promotional materials. While the document doesn't explicitly address the use of celebrity names, it emphasizes that all advertising media developed by franchisees for their own use must comply with current branding and System Standards. This implies that any promotional material, including those potentially using celebrity endorsements, requires prior written approval from Craters & Freighters.
Craters & Freighters retains sole rights to marketing on the Internet and the use of their trademarks in any electronic media. Franchisees cannot register domain names containing Craters & Freighters' trademarks or participate in online marketing using those trademarks without written approval. This extends to social media and other online platforms. A franchisee's general conduct online, including advertising, is subject to the terms of the Franchise Agreement and any other rules or policies Craters & Freighters establishes.
Given these stipulations, a franchisee considering using a celebrity's name in their promotional efforts would need to seek and obtain explicit written consent from Craters & Freighters. The franchisor's approval process would likely evaluate whether the use of a celebrity aligns with the brand's image, System Standards, and overall marketing strategy. This requirement ensures brand consistency and protects Craters & Freighters' trademarks and reputation.