What are 'Proprietary Marks' related to a Mr. Sandless franchise?

According to Mr. Sandless's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Proprietary Marks include trade names, service marks, trademarks, logos, emblems, and indicia of origin used to identify the Mr. Sandless System. The most prominent example provided in the document is the mark "Mr. Sandless" itself. The Proprietary Marks also encompass any other trade names, service marks, and trademarks that Mr. Sandless designates in writing for use within the franchise system. These marks are essential for franchisees to use in connection with the System.

Mr. Sandless retains the right to modify these Proprietary Marks, and franchisees are obligated to adhere to any changes communicated by the franchisor. Franchisees cannot use the Proprietary Marks, or any part of them, as part of any Website domain name without prior written consent from Mr. Sandless. This control ensures brand consistency and uniformity across all Mr. Sandless franchises.

Upon termination of the Franchise Agreement, franchisees must discontinue all advertising under the Mr. Sandless name or any similar name. They must also cancel any registrations related to the use of the Proprietary Marks, including domain names and social media accounts. Franchisees are also required to destroy or surrender any materials containing the Proprietary Marks, such as signs and stationery. This ensures that the franchisee completely disassociates from the Mr. Sandless brand after the agreement ends, protecting the integrity and exclusivity of the marks for Mr. Sandless and its other franchisees.