When operating a Sonesta Simply Suites Hotel, are franchisees required to prominently display the Marks?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ed by us or our affiliates that we do not specifically designate to be used as part of the Brand Standards.
You must operate under and prominently display the Marks in your Hotel. You may not adopt any other names in operating your Hotel that we do not approve. You also may not use any of the Marks or Network Marks, or the words "Sonesta" or "Sonesta Simply Suites " or any similar word(s) or acronyms: (a) in your corporate, partnership, business, or trade name except as we provide in the Franchise Agreement, the Brand Manual or otherwise in writing, or (b) in any Online Presence, except as we provide in the Franchise Agreement, the Brand Manual or otherwise in writing, or (c) in any business operated separate from your Hotel, including in the name or identity of any development or business adjacent to or associated with your Hotel. Any unauthorized use of the Marks will be an infringement of our and our affiliates' rights and a material breach of the Franchise Agreement.
You may not prepare any adaptation, translation, transliteration, or work derived from the Brand Standards, Marks, Confidential Information (as defined in Item 14) or other proprietary rights without our consent. If we approve such adaptation, translation, transliteration, or work derivation, you agree that the derivative work will be our property, and you assign all your right, title, and interest in it to us.
If we decide to modify or discontinue use of any of the Marks or to use one or more additional or substitute Marks, you must follow our directions to modify or discontinue use of the Marks or to use one or more additional or substitute Marks within a reasonable time after notice. We have no obligations to reimburse you for any expenses resulting from a change in Marks, for your expenses for promoting a modified or substitute trademark or service mark, or for any indirect expense, such as advertising expenses, or for any goodwill associated with any discontinued Mark.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 62–64)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must operate under and prominently display the Marks in their Hotel. This means that franchisees are contractually obligated to showcase the Sonesta Simply Suites brand name and associated logos to the public. This requirement ensures brand consistency and visibility across all franchised locations.
The FDD also states that franchisees cannot use any other names in operating their Hotel without approval from Sonesta Simply Suites. Furthermore, franchisees are restricted from using the Marks, Network Marks, or the words "Sonesta" or "Sonesta Simply Suites" in their corporate name, online presence, or any separate business, unless explicitly permitted by the Franchise Agreement, Brand Manual, or in writing. Unauthorized use of the Marks constitutes a breach of the Franchise Agreement and infringement of Sonesta Simply Suites's rights.
Sonesta Simply Suites retains control over its Marks and may modify or discontinue their use, or introduce new Marks. Franchisees are obligated to comply with these changes within a reasonable time frame after receiving notice. However, Sonesta Simply Suites is not responsible for reimbursing franchisees for any expenses incurred due to changes in the Marks, including advertising costs or loss of goodwill associated with discontinued Marks. This highlights the importance of franchisees staying updated with brand standards and being prepared for potential rebranding efforts at their own expense.
The Franchise Agreement grants franchisees a non-exclusive right and license to use the Marks, along with other authorized trademarks, service marks, and commercial symbols, for developing and operating their Hotel. Franchisees must also notify Sonesta Simply Suites immediately of any apparent infringement or challenges to the use of the Marks. Sonesta Simply Suites has the right to control any litigation or administrative proceedings related to the Marks, and franchisees must cooperate fully in these matters.