After termination, are Southern Steer franchisees allowed to use any indicia of the franchisor?

According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are prohibited from using any indicia of Southern Steer after termination of the franchise agreement. This includes all trademarks, logos, and other identifying marks associated with the Southern Steer brand. This restriction applies regardless of the reason for termination, expiration, transfer, or cancellation of the agreement. The franchisee, its owners, operating principal, and guarantors must adhere to this prohibition.

This provision is standard in franchising to protect the brand's integrity and prevent confusion among customers. If a former franchisee were allowed to continue using the brand's indicia, it could damage the reputation and goodwill that Southern Steer has built. It also ensures that customers can clearly distinguish between current Southern Steer locations and businesses that are no longer part of the franchise system.

In practical terms, this means that upon termination, a franchisee must immediately cease using all Southern Steer branding. This includes removing signs, altering the appearance of the location to differentiate it from a standard Southern Steer business, and discontinuing the use of any marketing materials that feature the Southern Steer name or logo. The franchisee must also notify telephone companies, social media companies, and listing agencies of the termination to transfer all relevant listings and accounts to Southern Steer.

Southern Steer also has the right to enter the premises to make these changes at the franchisee's expense. Failing to comply with these post-termination obligations could result in legal action from Southern Steer to enforce these provisions and protect its brand. Prospective franchisees should understand these restrictions and be prepared to fully comply with them if they ever decide to leave the Southern Steer system.