What must a Gokhale Method franchisee do to the location of the franchised business after termination or expiration?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
d hereunder
- 16.2. Cease Use of Confidential Information and Marks. You shall immediately and permanently cease to use, in any manner whatsoever, any of our Intellectual Property, including but not limited to Confidential Information, methods, procedures and techniques associated with the System, and all Marks and distinctive forms, slogans, signs, symbols, colors, and devices associated with the System. In particular, you shall cease to use, without limitation, all signs, advertising materials, displays, stationery, forms, products and any other articles that display the Marks. You shall de-identify the Location of the Franchised Business so that there is no use or display of the Marks after the effective date of termination or expiration.
- 16.3. Cancellation of Registrations. You shall take such action as may be necessary to cancel any assumed name registration or equivalent registration obtained by you which contains the "Gokhale" word, or any other Marks, and you shall furnish us with evidence satisfactory to us of compliance with this obligation within five (5) days after termination or expiration of this Agreement.
- 16.4. Assignment of Lease. You shall, at our option, except in the event you continue to operate any other business you were operating from the same Location assign to us any interest which you have in any lease or sublease for the Location.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 34)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Gokhale Method Franchise Disclosure Document, upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, the franchisee is required to de-identify the location of the franchised business. This means the franchisee must ensure that there is no use or display of Gokhale Method's trademarks (referred to as "Marks") after the termination or expiration date.
Additionally, Gokhale Method has the option to request an assignment of the franchisee's interest in any lease or sublease for the location. If Gokhale Method does not exercise this option, the franchisee must make modifications or alterations to the location to distinguish its appearance from that of a Gokhale Method franchised business. This includes changing the telephone number and assigning it to Gokhale Method, if necessary.
These stipulations ensure that the public is not misled into thinking the terminated or expired franchise is still part of the Gokhale Method system and protects Gokhale Method's brand identity and reputation. Franchisees should be aware of these obligations as they plan for the end of their franchise term or in the event of early termination.