What limitations are placed on a Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisee's use of the brand's marks?
Sonesta_Select_Sonesta_Essential Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You (or your owners) may not use any Mark (1) as part of any corporate or legal business name, (2) with any prefix, suffix, or other modifying words, terms, designs, or symbols (other than logos we have licensed to you), (3) in selling any unauthorized services or products, (4) as part of any domain name, homepage, electronic address, or otherwise in connection with a Website (unless in connection with our approved Franchise System Website), (5) in any user name, screen name, domain name, homepage, electronic address, social media account, other online presence or presence on any electronic, virtual, or digital medium of any kind ("Online Presence"), (6) any business operated separate from your Hotel, including the name or identity of developments adjacent to or associated with your Hotel, or (7) in any other manner that we have not expressly authorized in writing.
You may not use any Mark in advertising the transfer, sale, or other disposition of your Hotel or an ownership interest in you without our prior written consent.
You agree to display the Marks ass
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 84)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee's use of the brand's marks is subject to several limitations. The franchisee's right to use the marks is derived solely from the Franchise Agreement and is limited to operating the hotel according to the agreement and all brand standards prescribed by Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential during the term of the agreement. Unauthorized use of the marks constitutes a breach of the agreement and infringes upon the rights of Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential and its affiliates. All goodwill established through the use of the marks accrues exclusively to the benefit of Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential and its affiliates.
The franchisee must use the marks associated with Brand Hotels as the sole identification of their hotel, with the exception that they must identify themselves as the independent owner in a manner prescribed by Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential. The franchisee is prohibited from using any mark as part of their corporate or legal business name, or with any prefix, suffix, or other modifying words, terms, designs, or symbols (other than logos licensed to them). They cannot use the marks in selling unauthorized services or products, as part of any domain name, homepage, electronic address, or otherwise in connection with a website (unless it is the approved Franchise System Website).
Furthermore, franchisees are restricted from using the marks in any username, screen name, domain name, homepage, electronic address, social media account, or other online presence, or in any business operated separately from their hotel. They also cannot use the marks in advertising the transfer, sale, or other disposition of their hotel or an ownership interest without prior written consent from Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential. These restrictions on the use of marks survive the expiration or earlier termination of the Franchise Agreement.