Is the Dq Treat franchisee allowed to use trademarks other than the ones provided by the company?
Dq_Treat Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
3.3 Restaurant Identification.
- (A) Licensee must not use any of the Trademarks as part of its business entity name.
- (B) Licensee must only use the DQ® mark and no other mark or words as the trade name of the Restaurant, unless Company otherwise directs.
- (C) Licensee cannot use any additional words with the Trademarks without Company's prior written consent.
- (D) Licensee may use the Trademarks on various materials, such as business cards, stationery and checks, on the condition that Licensee:
- (1) Accurately depicts the Trademarks on the materials;
- (2) Includes a statement on the materials indicating that the business is independently owned and operated by Licensee; and
- (3) Makes available to Company, upon its request, a copy of any materials depicting the Trademarks.
- (E) Licensee must post a prominent sign in the Restaurant identifying Licensee as a franchisee of Company in a format reasonably acceptable to Company, which includes an acknowledgment that the Restaurant is independently owned and operated by Licensee and the Trademarks are owned by Company and used by Licensee under a license issued by Company.
- 3.4 Restrictions on Internet and Website Use. Company retains the sole right to advertise the System on the internet and to create, operate, maintain and modify, or discontinue the use of, websites (including pages and profiles on social media websites) using the Trademarks. Licensee has the right to access Company's website. Except as Company may authorize in writing, however, Licensee will not: (1) link or frame Company's website; (2) conduct any business or offer to sell or advertise any products or services on the internet (or any other existing or future form of electronic communication); and (3) create or register any internet domain name in connection with the Restaurant. Licensee will not register, as internet domain names, any of the Trademarks now or hereafter owned by Company or any abbreviation,
Source: Item 17 — The following paragraph is added to the end of Item 17 of the Disclosure Document: (FDD pages 70–378)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Dq Treat FDD, franchisees are significantly restricted in their use of trademarks beyond those explicitly authorized by the company. The agreement specifies that franchisees must only use the DQ® mark as the trade name of the restaurant, unless Dq Treat directs otherwise.
Dq Treat franchisees cannot use any additional words with the trademarks without obtaining prior written consent from the company. While franchisees are permitted to use the trademarks on materials like business cards, stationery, and checks, this is conditional on accurately depicting the trademarks, including a statement indicating independent ownership, and providing copies of the materials to Dq Treat upon request.
Dq Treat retains control over advertising the system online and managing websites using the trademarks. Franchisees are only allowed to access Dq Treat's website and are prohibited from linking or framing it, conducting business online, or registering any internet domain names connected to the restaurant, ensuring that the brand's online presence remains consistent and centrally managed. These restrictions ensure brand consistency and protect the trademarks owned or licensed by Dq Treat.