Regarding Crave franchises, what actions are franchisees and their principals prohibited from taking that would prejudice the validity of Crave's rights with respect to the Marks?
Crave Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
in whole or in part incorporates the "Crave" name or any names confusingly similar to the Proprietary Marks.
You are not permitted to promote your Franchised Business or use any of the Proprietary Marks in any manner or maintain any business profile on Facebook, Twitter, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube or any other social media and/or networking site without our prior written approval. We will control all social media initiatives. You must comply with our System standards regarding the use of social media in your Franchised Business' operation, including prohibitions on your and the Franchised Business' employees posting or blogging comments about the Franchised Business or the System, other than on a website established or authorized by us ("social media" includes personal blogs, common social networks, professional networks, live-blogging tools, virtual worlds, file, audio and video-sharing sites, and other similar social networking or media sites or tools). We will provide access to branded social media pages/handles/assets, and you must update these regularly. We reserve the right to conduct collective/national campaigns via local social media on your behalf.
We alone will be, and at all times will remain, the sole owner of the copyrights to all material which appears on any website we establish and maintain, including any and all material you may furnish to us for your "click through" subpage.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 63–253)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Crave Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are restricted from actions that could harm Crave's trademark rights. Specifically, franchisees cannot use the "Crave" name or any confusingly similar names in receipts. This restriction ensures that the brand's identity remains consistent and protected across all franchise locations, preventing customer confusion and maintaining brand integrity.
Furthermore, franchisees need prior written approval from Crave to promote their franchised business or use any of Crave's proprietary marks on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Crave maintains control over all social media initiatives and requires franchisees to comply with system standards regarding social media use. Franchisees are prohibited from posting or blogging comments about the franchised business or the system, except on websites established or authorized by Crave. This centralized control helps Crave manage its brand image and messaging effectively.
Crave retains sole ownership of the copyrights to all material on any website it establishes and maintains, including any material franchisees provide for their "click through" subpage. This provision ensures that Crave has full control over its online presence and can protect its intellectual property rights. Franchisees must adhere to these guidelines to avoid actions that could prejudice Crave's rights with respect to its trademarks and overall brand identity.