What recourse does Crowne Plaza have if the Services are suspected of infringing on intellectual property rights?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The "Marks" means the name and mark "Crowne Plaza®", IHG One Rewards and IHG Concerto and their distinguishing characteristics and the other service marks, trademarks, trade names, slogans, commercial symbols, logos, trade dress, copyrighted material and intellectual property associated with the Brand System, including, without limitation, those which IHG may designate in the future for use and those which IHG does not designate as withdrawn from use. Licensee shall notify IHG immediately of (i) an infringement, or a challenge to Licensee's use of any of the Marks; (ii) any objections, demands,
controversies, allegations or actions asserted or taken by third parties involving any of the Marks or any part of the Brand System of which Licensee becomes aware; and, (iii) any potentially infringing or unauthorized uses of any of the Marks or any part of the Brand System of which Licensee becomes aware. IHG or its Affiliates will have the sole and exclusive right to handle disputes with third parties concerning use of all or any part of the Marks or Brand System, and Licensee will, at its reasonable expense, extend its full cooperation to IHG in all such matters. All recoveries made as a result of disputes with third parties regarding use of the Marks or Brand System or any part thereof shall be for the account of IHG. IHG need not initiate suit against alleged imitators or infringers, and may settle any dispute by grant of a license or otherwise. Licensee will not initiate any suit or proceeding against alleged imitators or infringers, or any other suit or proceeding to enforce or protect the Marks or Brand System.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–424)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Crowne Plaza Franchise Disclosure Document, IHG (the franchisor) maintains sole and exclusive rights to handle disputes concerning the use of its Marks or Brand System. The Marks include the name and mark "Crowne Plaza®", IHG One Rewards and IHG Concerto and their distinguishing characteristics and the other service marks, trademarks, trade names, slogans, commercial symbols, logos, trade dress, copyrighted material and intellectual property associated with the Brand System.
Specifically, if a franchisee becomes aware of any infringement or challenges to the use of the Marks, or any unauthorized uses of the Marks or Brand System, they must immediately notify IHG. IHG, at its discretion, has the exclusive right to manage these disputes with third parties. The franchisee is obligated to fully cooperate with IHG in these matters at their own reasonable expense.
Furthermore, IHG is not obligated to initiate lawsuits against alleged infringers and can settle disputes through licensing or other means. The franchisee is explicitly prohibited from initiating any legal actions against alleged infringers to protect the Marks or Brand System. Any monetary recoveries resulting from these disputes will be for the benefit of IHG.