Must a Focus Cfo franchisee follow Focus CFO's rules when using the Focus Cfo Marks?

According to the 2025 Focus Cfo Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to Focus Cfo's rules when using their trademarks. Focus Cfo grants franchisees the right to use their marks to identify themselves as a franchisee and in connection with providing CFO services. These marks are owned by Focus Cfo or their subsidiary, The CFO Company, LLC. Franchisees cannot use a name or mark as part of a corporate name or with modifying words, designs, or symbols, except for those which Focus Cfo licenses to them. Franchisees also cannot use Focus Cfo's registered name in connection with the sale of unauthorized products or services or in a manner not authorized in writing by Focus Cfo.

Focus Cfo emphasizes the importance of uniform standards and strict conformity with the Focus CFO System. Franchisees must promote and offer CFO Services under the Focus CFO Marks without any prefixes, suffixes, or other phrases, including the franchisee's name. All advertising by the franchisee must be factually accurate, in good taste, and conform to the highest standards of ethical advertising. Franchisees must also avoid any advertising practice that may be harmful to Focus Cfo's business and the goodwill associated with the Focus CFO Marks.

Furthermore, franchisees must obtain prior written authorization from Focus Cfo for any internet presence or email campaigns utilizing the Focus CFO Marks or promoting Focus CFO Services. They must also comply with Focus Cfo's Social Media Policy when posting on social media sites and remove any online content that violates the policy within 24 hours of Focus CFO's request. Franchisees must also obtain prior written approval to create any social networking account using the Focus CFO Marks or promoting the Focus CFO Services, other than their personal accounts, and comply with Focus CFO's written policies for maintaining such accounts.

Focus CFO retains the right to take appropriate action if a franchisee misuses the marks and will defend against claims that the marks infringe on a third party's rights, provided the franchisee promptly notifies Focus CFO of any such claim. However, Focus CFO is not obligated for infringement claims based on marks modified by someone other than Focus CFO, use of the marks with non-Focus CFO products or services, or use of the marks in a manner prohibited by the agreement. Franchisees must modify or discontinue the use of a mark if Focus CFO modifies or discontinues it and cannot contest Focus CFO's right to the marks, trade secrets, or business techniques.