After termination, can a former Mr. Sandless franchisee identify themselves as a Mr. Sandless franchisee?

According to Mr. Sandless's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, upon termination of the Franchise Agreement, a franchisee is explicitly prohibited from referencing any past association with Mr. Sandless. The franchisee must immediately cease using the Proprietary Marks, Copyrights, and Confidential Information. This means a former franchisee cannot identify themselves as a current or former Mr. Sandless franchisee.

Furthermore, the franchisee must discontinue all advertising under the Mr. Sandless name or any similar name and de-identify any service vehicles and office locations. They must also cancel any registrations related to the use of Proprietary Marks, including domain names and websites that associate them with Mr. Sandless. The franchisee is also required to notify the telephone company and listing agencies of the termination of their right to use any telephone numbers or listings associated with the Mr. Sandless name and authorize the transfer of these to Mr. Sandless or a new franchisee.

Mr. Sandless also has the right to direct the franchisee to make changes to their business methods and facilities to distinguish it from a Mr. Sandless Business. All signs, stationery, letterhead, forms, and other printed materials containing any of the Proprietary Marks must be destroyed or surrendered to Mr. Sandless. The Operations Manual and other confidential materials must also be returned. These obligations ensure a clean break between the franchisee and the Mr. Sandless brand, preventing any potential confusion or misuse of the brand's identity after the franchise agreement ends.