Does a Dq Treat franchisee retain any rights to the trademarks after the termination of the franchise agreement?
Dq_Treat Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
hanges to the Operations Manual, or otherwise in writing, any of which may be communicated electronically. Your use of the Trademarks and any goodwill is to ADQ's exclusive benefit and you retain no rights in the Trademarks other than a license to use the Trademarks during the term of your franchise agreement.
Source: Item 13 — UItem 13U***:** U**Trademarks (FDD pages 49–50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dq Treat's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee does not retain any rights to the trademarks upon termination of the franchise agreement. The agreement only licenses the use of trademarks during the term of the franchise agreement.
This means that once the franchise agreement ends, whether through expiration, termination by Dq Treat, or termination by the franchisee (if permitted), the franchisee must immediately cease using all Dq Treat trademarks. This includes the brand name, logos, and any other identifying marks associated with Dq Treat. The franchisee cannot continue to operate under the Dq Treat name or represent themselves as affiliated with the brand in any way.
This is a standard practice in franchising. Trademark rights are typically retained by the franchisor to ensure consistent brand representation and quality control across all franchise locations. The franchisee's right to use the trademarks is solely derived from the franchise agreement and exists only for the duration of that agreement. After termination, any continued use of the trademarks by the former franchisee could lead to legal action by Dq Treat to protect its intellectual property.