factual

Is the Gold Star company's discretion in protecting the marks subject to any limitations?

Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

The COMPANY agrees to take whatever actions it deems reasonably necessary to protect the Marks and the goodwill associated therewith.

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.

Subject to Section 6.8, above, FRANCHISEE shall be entitled to retain independent legal counsel, provided that the COMPANY shall not be responsible for the cost of any such legal counsel.

  • 6.10 Franchisee's Failure to Cooperate.

Section 6.7 notwithstanding, if FRANCHISEE fails to meet its obligations under Sections 6.8 and 6.9 with respect to any particular event, the COMPANY's warranties and obligations under Sections 6.7 and 6.8 shall become void with respect to such particular event, and the COMPANY shall have no liability for costs incurred or damages awarded against FRANCHISEE. EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN SECTION 6.8, ABOVE, THE COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO FRANCHISEE FOR ANY DAMAGES, COSTS, OR EXPENSES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER RELATING TO ANY ACTION OR OTHER MATTER INVOLVING THE MARKS OR GOODWILL ASSOCIATED THEREWITH.

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

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Gold Star agrees to take actions it deems reasonably necessary to protect its marks and associated goodwill. Gold Star retains the exclusive right, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, to determine and undertake actions to prevent infringement or diminution of goodwill in its marks.

However, the franchisee also has responsibilities. The franchisee must promptly advise Gold Star in writing of any potentially infringing uses of the marks, or any similar imitations, and of any suits brought or claims made against the franchisee involving the marks. If a third party commences legal action against the franchisee challenging the right to use the marks, Gold Star may, in its sole discretion, assume the defense of the franchisee.

Gold Star will indemnify the franchisee against all damages for infringement if the franchisee is held liable in such action resulting from the franchisee's authorized use of the marks, provided the franchisee gives timely notice of the action, cooperates fully with Gold Star's counsel, and allows Gold Star to retain ultimate control over the defense and resolution strategy. If the franchisee fails to meet its obligations regarding notice and cooperation, Gold Star's warranties and obligations become void, and Gold Star has no liability for costs or damages against the franchisee, except as specifically set forth in Section 6.8.

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.