Can a Sonesta Simply Suites franchisee use any Mark in any business operated separately from their Hotel?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- Limitations on Your Use of Marks.
You agree to use the Marks associated with Brand Hotels as the sole identification of your Hotel, except that you agree to identify yourself as its independent owner in the manner we prescribe.
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.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Sonesta Simply Suites FDD, a franchisee's use of the brand's marks is strictly limited to the operation of their franchised hotel. The franchise agreement explicitly prohibits franchisees (or their owners) from using any of the brand's marks in connection with any business operated separately from their Sonesta Simply Suites hotel.
This restriction extends to various uses, including incorporating the marks into any corporate or legal business name, using prefixes or suffixes that modify the marks (unless the logos are licensed), selling unauthorized services or products under the marks, or using the marks as part of any domain name or online presence (unless it's the approved Franchise System Website). This also includes preventing the use of the marks in the name or identity of developments adjacent to or associated with the hotel.
Sonesta Simply Suites maintains control over its brand identity and prevents franchisees from leveraging the brand's reputation for ventures outside the scope of the franchise agreement. This policy ensures brand consistency and prevents potential misuse of the trademarks, which could dilute the brand's value or create confusion among consumers. Franchisees must adhere to these limitations to maintain compliance with the franchise agreement.