For a Dollar Rent A Car franchise, what constitutes 'Marks' as defined in the FDD?
Dollar_Rent_A_Car Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
siness, or to a Car Sales Business, Vehicle Leasing Business, or Car Self-Service/Sharing Business of Ours, Our Affiliates or a franchisee of Ours or Our Affiliates operated under any mark used by Us or Our Affiliates other than the Marks.
- 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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 102–301)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Dollar Rent A Car FDD, the term 'Marks' refers to the Trade Names or other Marks that Dollar Rent A Car may authorize and specify for the franchisee's use from time to time. This means a Dollar Rent A Car franchisee must operate their franchised business using only the trade names and service marks approved by Dollar Rent A Car.
The FDD also stipulates that franchisees cannot use these Marks as part of any legal entity name. If a franchisee intends to apply for any fictitious or 'doing-business-as' name, they must first notify Dollar Rent A Car and comply with any instructions provided by the company. This includes adhering to guidelines regarding the addition of words before or after the Marks to reflect the franchisee's name, geographic location, or other relevant information.
Furthermore, the Marks are restricted for use solely in association with business, product, or service specifically authorized by the Franchise Agreement. Franchisees are also prohibited from registering or assisting others in registering the Marks, variations thereof, or any name or mark in which Dollar Rent A Car has an interest, with any domain name registrar. This ensures Dollar Rent A Car maintains control over its brand identity and online presence.