Does Noodles & Company reserve the right to transfer any or all of its Marks to a related company?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Noodles & Company currently owns the principal trade and service marks listed below, and other trade and service marks (collectively, "Marks"), used in the business of owning and operating Noodles & Company restaurants and supporting franchise operations (including the right to sublicense the Marks to our franchisees); however, we reserve the right to transfer any or all of the Marks to a related company. If we do transfer the Marks to a related company, we will secure a license or other right for you to use the Marks that we deem necessary for you to operate your Noodles & Company restaurant. The following Marks are registered on the Principal Register of the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO"):
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 53–58)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, Noodles & Company retains the right to transfer any or all of its trademarks and service marks (collectively referred to as "Marks") to a related company. This is a fairly common practice in franchising, as it allows the parent company to reorganize its assets or manage its intellectual property more efficiently.
If Noodles & Company does transfer the Marks, they are obligated to secure a license or other right for the franchisee to continue using the Marks necessary to operate their Noodles & Company restaurant. This ensures that the franchisee can continue to operate under the Noodles & Company brand name and utilize its associated logos and trademarks, which are crucial for attracting and retaining customers.
This transfer does not give the franchisee any say in the matter. However, Noodles & Company states that they will secure the rights for the franchisee to continue using the marks if they transfer them to a related company. While this protects the franchisee, it is important to note that the franchisee will likely have no recourse if they disagree with the new licensing terms.