What action is Dollar Rent A Car obligated to take to protect its marks?
Dollar_Rent_A_Car Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 12.14. Trade Name and Service Marks.
You shall operate Your Franchised Business only using the Trade Names or under other Marks that We may authorize and specify from time to time.
You shall not use the Marks as part of any legal entity name.
Prior to applying or filing for any fictitious or "doing-business-as" name, You shall notify Franchisor and comply with any instructions of Franchisor relating thereto, including with respect to the addition of words before or after the Marks that reflect Your name, geographic location or other information.
The Marks shall not be used in association with any business, product or service not specifically authorized by this Franchise Agreement.
- 12.15. Domain Names.
You shall not register or assist others in registering the Marks or variations thereof, or any name or mark in which We have an interest, with any domain name registrar that has the authority or ability to allocate or assign Internet domain names on either the international, national, regional or local levels.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 102–301)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Dollar Rent A Car Franchise Disclosure Document outlines specific obligations for franchisees regarding the use and protection of Dollar Rent A Car's trade names and service marks. As a franchisee, you are required to operate your franchised business using only the trade names or marks that Dollar Rent A Car authorizes and specifies. You are explicitly prohibited from using these marks as part of any legal entity name. This ensures that the brand identity remains consistent and distinct across all franchise locations.
Before registering any fictitious or "doing-business-as" name, a Dollar Rent A Car franchisee must notify the franchisor and comply with any instructions provided, particularly concerning the addition of words that reflect your name, geographic location, or other pertinent information. The Dollar Rent A Car marks cannot be used in association with any business, product, or service not specifically authorized by the Franchise Agreement. This prevents brand dilution and ensures that the marks are only used in connection with approved offerings.
Furthermore, franchisees are barred from registering or assisting others in registering the Dollar Rent A Car marks, or any variations of them, with any domain name registrar. This restriction extends to any name or mark in which Dollar Rent A Car has an interest, covering international, national, regional, or local levels. This provision is crucial for maintaining Dollar Rent A Car's online presence and preventing unauthorized use of its brand in the digital space. These measures collectively protect Dollar Rent A Car's brand identity and prevent misuse of its trademarks.