What is required before a Gold Star franchisee can use advertising material using the Marks that they prepared?

According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must obtain the company's written approval before using any advertising, displays, or other material using the Marks that they prepared. This requirement ensures that all advertising and promotional materials align with Gold Star's brand standards and protect the company's trademarks.

This approval process allows Gold Star to maintain control over its brand image and ensure consistency in marketing efforts across all franchise locations. The company can review the franchisee's materials to ensure they meet the required standards and comply with applicable laws and regulations. This helps to protect the brand's reputation and prevent any potential legal issues arising from inappropriate or misleading advertising.

For a prospective Gold Star franchisee, this means that they cannot independently create and use advertising materials featuring the Gold Star Chili trademarks without prior authorization. They must submit their proposed materials to the company for review and approval, which may take some time. Franchisees should factor this approval process into their marketing plans and timelines to avoid delays in launching advertising campaigns. This requirement is fairly standard in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their brand identity.