When my Zoomin Groomin franchise terminates, must I cancel all fictitious name filings that include Zoomin Groomin's marks?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ending you notice and an opportunity to cure: a. You violate any other term or condition of this Agreement, the Franchisee Operations Manual, or any other agreement with us; or
b. Any amount owing to us from you is more than 30 days past due.
8.4.No Refund of Initial Fee
We have no obligation to return or refund any fee to you upon termination or expiration of this Agreement.
8.5.Post Termination Obligations
Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, including a sale of the Franchise Business, you will:
- a. Cease to operate the Franchised Business;
- b. Discontinue using any of our "Marks;"
- c. Cancel all fictitious name filings which you use that includes any of our Marks;
- d. Pay to us all amounts owing to us;
- e. Reimburse Clients for any fees paid for services not yet rendered;
- f. If requested by us, transfer to us all telephone numbers and internet listings used in relation to this Franchise Business by executing our then current form and deliver to us written proof of transfer;
- g. At our option, and upon our request, use your best efforts to assist in transferring the lease of the facility of your Franchised Business, whether it be through a new lease or assignment;
- h. Return to us or certify destruction of any paper and electronic copies of the Manual and any Confidential Information (retaining only such copies as you need for legal or tax purposes);
- i. Adhere to the post-term duties stated in Section 8.6 entitled Non-Compete and No Solicitation and any other duties that require your performance after you are no longer an Franchisee;
Source: Item 9 — 01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (FDD pages 68–156)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Zoomin Groomin's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, upon termination or expiration of the Franchise Agreement, franchisees are obligated to take several steps to discontinue their association with the brand. One of these requirements is to cancel all fictitious name filings that include any of Zoomin Groomin's marks. This ensures that the franchisee no longer represents themselves as being associated with Zoomin Groomin after the agreement ends.
This obligation is part of a broader set of post-termination requirements designed to protect Zoomin Groomin's brand and prevent confusion in the marketplace. By canceling fictitious name filings, the former franchisee avoids misleading the public into thinking they are still operating a Zoomin Groomin franchise. This is a standard practice in franchising, as franchisors need to maintain control over their brand identity and prevent unauthorized use of their trademarks.
In addition to canceling fictitious name filings, the franchisee must also cease operating the Franchised Business, discontinue using any of Zoomin Groomin's marks, pay all outstanding amounts owed to Zoomin Groomin, and reimburse clients for any unrendered services. They may also be required to transfer telephone numbers and internet listings to Zoomin Groomin and assist in transferring the lease of the business facility, if requested. These comprehensive post-termination obligations ensure a clean break between the franchisee and the Zoomin Groomin brand.