When a company franchises, the investors that buy into a franchise is considered a partner of some sort. It is very important that the founder of a company protects his/her brand buy trademarking the brand name, logo, slogans, and any colors associated with the company. One may buy a McDonalds location and think that just because they now own it that it gives them free range to advertise and provide services how they see fit. Brand protection prevents a party from switching the color of the shirts the employees wear, altering the ingredients of the food, or making any changes to policies via the franchise document the investor signed and agreed on.