Where are modifications to the Hck Hot Chicken Marks and trade dress communicated to the franchisee?
Hck_Hot_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
. Franchisee shall have no right to make any demand against any such alleged infringer or to prosecute any claim of any kind or nature whatsoever against such alleged infringer for or on account of such infringement.
- 11.7 Modification of Marks. From time to time, in the HCK Hot Chicken Brand Standards Manual or in directives or bulletins supplemental thereto, Franchisor may add to, delete or modify any or all of the Marks and trade dress. Franchisee shall, at its cost and expense, use, or cease using, as may be applicable, the Marks and/or trade dress, including any such modified or additional trade names, trademarks, service marks, logotypes and commercial symbols, in strict accordance with the procedures, policies, rules and regulations contained in the HCK Hot Chicken Brand Standards Manual or in written directives issued by Franchisor to Franchisee, as though they were specifically set forth in this Agreement. Except as Franchisor may otherwise direct, Franchisee shall implement any such change within 60 days after notice thereof by Franchisor, at Franchisee's expense.
- 11.8 Acts in Derogation of the Marks. Franchisee agrees that Franchisor's trade dress and the Marks are the exclusive property of Franchisor and/or its Affiliates and Franchisee now asserts no claim and will hereafter assert no claim to any goodwill, reputation or ownership thereof by virtue of Franchisee's licensed and/or franchised use thereof, or otherwise. Franchisee further agrees that it is familiar with the standards and high quality of the use by Franchisor and others authorized by Franchisor of the trade dress and Marks in the operation of Restaurants and agrees that Franchisee will maintain this standard in its use of the Marks and trade dress. All use of the Marks and trade dress by Franchisee inures to the benefit of Franchisor. Franchisee shall not contest or assist anyone in contesting at any time during or after the Term, in any manner, the validity of any Mark or its registration, and shall maintain the integrity of the Marks and prevent their dilution.
Source: Item 21 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FDD page 54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hck Hot Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, modifications to the brand's Marks and trade dress are communicated to franchisees through the HCK Hot Chicken Brand Standards Manual or in directives or bulletins supplemental to it. Hck Hot Chicken may add to, delete, or modify any or all of the Marks and trade dress.
As a franchisee, you are responsible for using or ceasing to use the Marks and/or trade dress, including any modified or additional trade names, trademarks, service marks, logotypes, and commercial symbols, according to the procedures, policies, rules, and regulations in the HCK Hot Chicken Brand Standards Manual or in written directives issued by Hck Hot Chicken. These changes are treated as if they were specifically set forth in the Franchise Agreement.
Unless Hck Hot Chicken directs otherwise, franchisees must implement any such change within 60 days after receiving notice from Hck Hot Chicken, and this is at the franchisee's expense. This means franchisees need to be prepared to update signage, marketing materials, and other branded items quickly to comply with any changes to the Hck Hot Chicken brand's image. Franchisees must stay informed of updates to the HCK Hot Chicken Brand Standards Manual, as the master copy maintained by Hck Hot Chicken is controlling in case of any disputes.