Is a Dog Haus franchisee allowed to use the Dog Haus Marks with modifying words or terms?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
System; (ii) Franchisee owns no goodwill or rights in the Dog Haus Marks or the Dog Haus System except for the license granted by this Agreement; and (iii) Franchisee's use of the Dog Haus Marks and any goodwill established by that use shall inure to the exclusive benefit of Franchisor. Franchisee agrees not to contest, or assist any other person to contest, the validity of Franchisor's rights and interest in the Dog Haus Marks or the Dog Haus System either during the Term or after this Agreement terminates or expires.
- 9.2 Limitations on Use. If Franchisee is an Entity, Franchisee shall not use the Dog Haus Marks, or Franchisor's trade name, or any words or symbols which are confusingly phonetically or visually similar to the Dog Haus Marks, as all or part of Franchisee's name. In addition, Franchisee shall not use any Dog Haus Marks (i) with any prefix, suffix, or other modifying words, terms, designs, or symbols (other than logos licensed to Franchisee under this Agreement); (ii) in connection with unauthorized services or products; (iii) as part of any domain name or electronic address maintained on the Internet, the World Wide Web, or any other similar proprietary or common carrier electronic delivery system; or (iv) in any other manner not expressly authorized in writing by Franchisor, or (v) in connection with, supporting, endorsing, promoting or otherwise advocating, advertising or marketing, in favor of or against any political party or candidate or cause or position at any time, which shall include using its products, branded paper products or goods for these purposes.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 87)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees face specific limitations on using the Dog Haus Marks. The agreement strictly prohibits franchisees from using the Dog Haus Marks with any prefixes, suffixes, or other modifying words, terms, designs, or symbols, unless those logos are explicitly licensed under the Franchise Agreement. This restriction ensures brand consistency and prevents unauthorized variations of the Dog Haus Marks.
Furthermore, Dog Haus franchisees are not allowed to use the Dog Haus Marks in connection with any unauthorized services or products, as part of any domain name or electronic address, or in any manner not expressly authorized in writing by Dog Haus. This includes any use that supports, endorses, promotes, or advocates for or against any political party, candidate, or cause. The agreement also specifies that only the service mark "Dog Haus" and other Dog Haus Marks specified by Dog Haus can be used in marketing, promoting, or operating the franchised restaurant.
Dog Haus retains the right to modify or discontinue licensing any of the Dog Haus Marks, add new marks, designs, or logos, and require franchisees to use them. They can also introduce new practices as part of the Dog Haus System. The term "Dog Haus Marks" refers to the specific names, marks, designs, logos, or commercial symbols licensed by Dog Haus at any given time, subject to Dog Haus's right to impose changes. These stipulations ensure that Dog Haus maintains control over its brand identity and can adapt its marketing and operational strategies as needed.
These limitations are typical in franchising to protect the brand's integrity and uniformity across all locations. A prospective franchisee should be aware of these restrictions and ensure they adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by Dog Haus to avoid any breach of contract.