What agreement allows CJR and HR to use each other's trademarks related to Hardees?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
For Hardee's Restaurant franchisees, we grant you the right to operate a restaurant under the name "Hardee's" and to use our other current or future trademarks that we designate in the operation of your Franchised Restaurant. By trademarks, we mean trade names, trademarks, trade dress, service marks, logos, insignias, slogans, emblems, symbols, designs and any combination of these or any other indicia of source used to identify and distinguish the Hardee's brand (our "Proprietary Marks"). CJR and HR are parties to an agreement having a perpetual term, which, among other things, permits CJR and HR to use and license the use of the other's trademarks. We own all right, title and interest in and to the Proprietary Marks and you will only have such rights to use the Proprietary Marks as granted to you in the Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 13 — Trademarks (FDD pages 59–61)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, CJR and HR have an agreement that allows them to use each other's trademarks. This agreement has a perpetual term, meaning it lasts indefinitely. The agreement enables CJR and HR to use and license the use of each other's trademarks related to the Hardees brand.
This agreement is significant for prospective Hardees franchisees because it clarifies the legal framework under which the trademarks associated with the Hardees brand are managed. It assures franchisees that the parent companies have a long-term arrangement for trademark use, which can provide stability and consistency in branding.
It is important for franchisees to understand that while CJR and HR have this agreement, Hardees owns all rights to the Proprietary Marks. Franchisees are only granted the rights to use these marks as specified in the Franchise Agreement. This means franchisees must adhere to Hardees's rules and guidelines when using the trademarks to maintain brand consistency and avoid any unauthorized use.