Is a Southern Steer franchisee required to follow instructions for identifying themselves and filing trade name registrations?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Franchise Agreement grants You the non-exclusive right to use the Mark(s) in Your Southern Steer Business. You may only use the Mark(s) in the manner authorized in the Franchise Agreement and Brand Manual. You may not use the Mark(s) as part of Your corporate or other entity name. You must also follow Our instructions for identifying Yourself and for filing and maintaining the requisite trade name or fictitious name registrations. You must follow Our rules when You use the Mark(s). Guidelines regarding proper trademark use and notices are in the Brand Manual and may be updated periodically in Our discretion. You cannot use any of Our other marks or trade names that We have not licensed to You under the Franchise Agreement. You may not use the Mark(s) or any other mark or trade name We or Our Affiliates own to sell unauthorized products or services or in a manner We do not authorize. You cannot use the Mark(s) or any other mark or trade name We or Our affiliates owns in association with any business other than the Southern Steer Business. You cannot use the Mark(s) or any other mark We or Our Affiliate own in any domain name or on the Internet without Our approval, which may be withheld in Our determination.
Source: Item 13 — ITEM. 13 TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 38–39)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to follow specific instructions regarding how they identify themselves as a Southern Steer franchise and how to file the necessary trade name or fictitious name registrations. This means that a franchisee cannot simply operate under the Southern Steer name without adhering to the franchisor's guidelines. These guidelines are further detailed in the Brand Manual, which Southern Steer may update periodically.
This requirement ensures brand consistency and legal compliance across all Southern Steer franchise locations. By mandating adherence to specific instructions, Southern Steer aims to maintain uniformity in how its brand is presented to the public and to ensure that all franchisees meet the necessary legal requirements for operating under a trade name.
Failure to comply with these instructions could result in a breach of the Franchise Agreement, potentially leading to penalties or even termination of the franchise. Therefore, it is crucial for prospective franchisees to carefully review the Brand Manual and any updates provided by Southern Steer to fully understand and comply with these requirements. Franchisees should also seek legal counsel to ensure they meet all local and state requirements for trade name or fictitious name registrations.