Is Zoomin Groomin required to protect the franchisee's rights to use trademarks in Minnesota?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The franchisor will protect the franchisee's rights to use the trademarks, service marks, trade names, logotypes or other commercial symbols or indemnify the franchisee from any loss, costs or expenses arising out of any claim, suit or demand regarding the use of the name.
Minnesota considers it unfair to not protect the franchisee's right to use the trademarks.
Refer to Minnesota Statues, Section 80C.12, Subd. 1(g).
Source: Item 17 — g. of the Disclosure Document is modified to state that, in addition to the grounds for immediate termination specified in Item 17.h., the franchisor can terminate upon written notice and a 60 day opportunity to cure for a breach of the Franchise Agreement. (FDD pages 51–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Zoomin Groomin's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee is operating in Minnesota, Zoomin Groomin is required to protect the franchisee's rights to use the trademarks, service marks, trade names, logotypes, or other commercial symbols. Zoomin Groomin must also indemnify the franchisee from any loss, costs, or expenses arising out of any claim, suit, or demand regarding the use of the name.
This protection is mandated by Minnesota Statutes, Section 80C.12, Subd. 1(g), which considers it unfair for Zoomin Groomin not to protect the franchisee's right to use the trademarks. This means that Zoomin Groomin cannot take actions that would infringe upon the franchisee's ability to use the brand's trademarks and other commercial symbols in their business operations within Minnesota.
For a prospective Zoomin Groomin franchisee in Minnesota, this requirement offers significant security. It ensures that Zoomin Groomin will stand behind the franchisee in case of any legal challenges related to trademark usage. This protection can save the franchisee from potentially substantial legal costs and business disruptions, as Zoomin Groomin is obligated to cover losses, costs, and expenses arising from such claims.