factual

What actions can Gold Star take to prevent infringement of the Marks or the diminution of goodwill?

Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

The COMPANY retains the exclusive right, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, to determine and undertake such actions, if any,

  • as it deems appropriate to prevent the infringement of the Marks or the diminution of the goodwill in the Marks.

  • 6.8 Notice of Infringement.

FRANCHISEE agrees to advise the COMPANY promptly in writing of any potentially infringing uses of the Marks, or colorable imitations or variations thereof, by others, and of any suits brought, or claims or demands made or threatened against FRANCHISEE involving the Marks.

In the event a third party commences a legal action against FRANCHISEE challenging FRANCHISEE's right to use the Marks as authorized herein, the COMPANY (a) may, in its sole discretion, assume the defense of FRANCHISEE, utilizing counsel of the COMPANY's choice, against such legal action, and (b) shall indemnify FRANCHISEE against all damages for infringement for which FRANCHISEE is held liable in such action resulting from FRANCHISEE's authorized use of the Marks pursuant to and in compliance with the Agreement, provided that:

  • 6.8.1 FRANCHISEE provides the COMPANY with timely notice of the institution of the action;

  • 6.8.2 FRANCHISEE cooperates fully with the COMPANY's counsel in defending against the action; and

  • 6.8.3 The COMPANY retains ultimate control over the strategy involved in defending against and/or resolving the action.

  • 6.9 Franchisee's Cooperation.

If the COMPANY undertakes the defense or prosecution of any litigation pertaining to the right to use the Marks, FRANCHISEE agrees to execute any and all documents and to do such acts and things as may be necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the COMPANY, to carry out such defense or prosecution, whether the action is in the name of the COMPANY or in the name of FRANCHISEE.

Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Gold Star retains the exclusive right to determine and undertake actions it deems appropriate to prevent the infringement of its marks or the diminution of the goodwill in the marks.

In the event a third party commences a legal action against the franchisee challenging the franchisee's right to use the marks, Gold Star may, in its sole discretion, assume the defense of the franchisee, utilizing counsel of Gold Star's choice, against such legal action, and shall indemnify the franchisee against all damages for infringement for which the franchisee is held liable in such action resulting from the franchisee's authorized use of the marks pursuant to and in compliance with the Agreement.

The franchisee must provide Gold Star with timely notice of the institution of the action and cooperate fully with Gold Star's counsel in defending against the action. Gold Star retains ultimate control over the strategy involved in defending against and/or resolving the action. If Gold Star undertakes the defense or prosecution of any litigation pertaining to the right to use the marks, the franchisee agrees to execute any and all documents and to do such acts and things as may be necessary, in the opinion of counsel for Gold Star, to carry out such defense or prosecution, whether the action is in the name of Gold Star or in the name of the franchisee.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.