What obligation does Crave Cookies have to protect a franchisee's rights to use trademarks in Minnesota?

According to the 2025 Crave Cookies Franchise Disclosure Document, specifically the Minnesota Addendum, Crave Cookies is obligated to protect a franchisee's right to use its trademarks, service marks, trade names, logotypes, and other commercial symbols. This protection extends to indemnifying the franchisee from any losses, costs, or expenses that may arise from claims, suits, or demands related to the use of the Crave Cookies name. This requirement is rooted in Minnesota Statutes, Section 80C.12, Subd. 1(g), which considers it unfair for a franchisor not to provide such protection.

This obligation means that if a Crave Cookies franchisee in Minnesota faces legal challenges or incurs costs due to trademark-related issues, Crave Cookies is responsible for covering those expenses. This provision aims to safeguard the franchisee's business operations and ensure they can confidently use the brand's trademarks without fear of financial repercussions from legal disputes.

For a prospective Crave Cookies franchisee in Minnesota, this is a significant benefit. It provides a layer of security and reduces the risk associated with potential trademark infringement claims. Franchisees should ensure they understand the scope of this protection and how to invoke it if necessary. This protection aligns with Minnesota's broader regulatory stance on franchising, which seeks to protect franchisees' rights and ensure fair practices within the franchise system.