Can a My Salon Suite franchisee use the marks as part of their company name?
My_Salon_Suite Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may not use all or any portion of our Marks as part of your company name and, without our prior written consent, as part of your trade name or "d/b/a." You may not modify the Marks with words, designs, or symbols, except those which we license to you. You may not use our Marks in connection with the sale of an unauthorized product or service or in a manner not authorized in writing by us. During the term of the Franchise Agreement, and continuing after the expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement, neither you nor any of your managers will, directly or indirectly, contest, challenge, or assist in the contesting or challenging of, our, SMI's or SPES's right, title, ownership, or interest in the Marks, trade secrets, methods, procedures, and advertising techniques that are part of our Franchise System, or contest our sole right to register, use, or license others to use, our Marks, trade secrets, methods, procedures, advertising techniques, and any other mark or name that incorporates the words "My Salon Suite" or any similar phrase. You must indicate to the public in any contract, advertisement, and with a conspicuous sign in your Approved Location that you are an independently owned and operated licensed franchisee of SMF.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 56–58)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 My Salon Suite Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally prohibited from using My Salon Suite's trademarks as part of their company name. The FDD states that franchisees "may not use all or any portion of our Marks as part of your company name." This restriction helps My Salon Suite maintain consistent branding and prevent customer confusion across all franchise locations. Franchisees must also obtain prior written consent from My Salon Suite to use the marks as part of their trade name or "d/b/a".
This restriction extends to online presence as well. Franchisees cannot use the trademarks in any email address or domain name, unless specifically designated by My Salon Suite. Furthermore, franchisees need written consent to maintain a presence or advertise on the Internet, social media, or any public computer network using the My Salon Suite marks. This control allows My Salon Suite to manage its brand reputation and marketing strategies effectively across all digital platforms.
My Salon Suite retains significant control over the use of its trademarks, and franchisees must adhere to these guidelines. Franchisees are also required to indicate in contracts, advertisements, and with a conspicuous sign at their location that they are independently owned and operated licensed franchisees of SMF. This ensures transparency and clarifies the relationship between the franchisee and the My Salon Suite brand. These regulations are typical in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their brand identity and ensure consistent representation across all locations.