Is the Crave Cookies franchisee allowed to use the Marks on employment documents?
Crave_Cookies Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee will use its legal name on all documents with its employees and independent contractors, including, but not limited to, employment applications, time cards, pay checks, and employment and independent contractor agreements, and Franchisee will not use the Marks on any of these documents.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Crave Cookies Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from using Crave Cookies' trademarks, service marks, and logos (collectively referred to as "Marks") on employment-related documents. This restriction extends to documents such as employment applications, time cards, paychecks, and employment or independent contractor agreements. Instead, franchisees are required to use their legal name on all such documents.
This policy ensures that Crave Cookies maintains strict control over its brand identity and prevents any potential confusion regarding the employer's identity. By mandating the use of the franchisee's legal name, Crave Cookies clarifies that the franchisee is the sole employer of the personnel, not Crave Cookies itself. This distinction is further reinforced by requiring franchisees and their employees to sign an acknowledgment form confirming that the franchisee alone is the employer.
The prohibition of using Crave Cookies' Marks on employment documents is a standard practice in franchising. It protects the franchisor from potential legal liabilities related to employment practices and ensures consistent brand representation. Franchisees must adhere to this requirement to avoid violating the franchise agreement and maintain compliance with Crave Cookies' operational standards.
Prospective Crave Cookies franchisees should be aware of this restriction and ensure that all employment-related documents comply with the specified guidelines. Failure to do so could result in penalties or other consequences as outlined in the franchise agreement. This requirement underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to all brand standards and legal obligations associated with operating a Crave Cookies franchise.