Can Dog Haus specify the language of the notice of independent ownership that the franchisee must use?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee shall give all notices of trademark and service mark registration that Franchisor specifies and shall use and obtain all fictitious or assumed name registrations required by Franchisor or under Applicable Law.
Franchisee further agrees that no service mark other than "Dog Haus", other Dog Haus Marks specified by Franchisor shall be used in marketing, promoting, or operating the Franchised Restaurant.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 87)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Dog Haus Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to trademark and service mark registration notices as specified by Dog Haus, and they must also secure any fictitious or assumed name registrations as mandated by Dog Haus or applicable laws. This indicates that Dog Haus can specify the language franchisees use in notices related to trademark and service mark registration. Franchisees are required to use only the service mark "Dog Haus" or other Dog Haus Marks specified by the franchisor in their marketing and operations.
Dog Haus retains the right to modify or discontinue any of its Dog Haus Marks, introduce new marks, and implement new practices within the Dog Haus System. Franchisees are obligated to comply with these changes within a reasonable timeframe after receiving written notice from Dog Haus. This includes using the specified language for trademark and service mark registration notices.
Furthermore, franchisees are prohibited from using the Dog Haus Marks in any manner not expressly authorized by Dog Haus, including using prefixes, suffixes, or modifying words, or using the marks in connection with unauthorized services or products. They also cannot use the Dog Haus Marks as part of any domain name or electronic address without written consent. These restrictions reinforce Dog Haus's control over its brand and the language used in association with it, including the notices of independent ownership.