16 C.F.R. § 436.3 : Commercial Practices — FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION — TRADE REGULATION RULES — DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS AND PROHIBITIONS CONCERNING FRANCHISING — CONTENTS OF A DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT — Cover page

Begin the disclosure document with a cover page, in the order and form as follows:

(a) The title "FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT" in capital letters and bold type.
(b) The franchisor's name, type of business organization, principal business address, telephone number, and, if applicable, email address and primary home page address.
(c) A sample of the primary business trademark that the franchisee will use in its business.
(d) A brief description of the franchised business.
(e) The following statements:
(1) The total investment necessary to begin operation of a [franchise system name] franchise is [the total amount of Item 7 (§436.5(g) )]. This includes [the total amount in Item 5 (§436.5(e) )] that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.
(2) This disclosure document summarizes certain provisions of your franchise agreement and other information in plain English. Read this disclosure document and all accompanying agreements carefully. You must receive this disclosure document at least 14 calendar-days before you sign a binding agreement with, or make any payment to, the franchisor or an affiliate in connection with the proposed franchise sale. [The following sentence in bold type] Note, however, that no governmental agency has verified the information contained in this document.
(3) The terms of your contract will govern your franchise relationship. Don't rely on the disclosure document alone to understand your contract. Read all of your contract carefully. Show your contract and this disclosure document to an advisor, like a lawyer or an accountant.
(4) Buying a franchise is a complex investment. The information in this disclosure document can help you make up your mind. More information on franchising, such as " A Consumer's Guide to Buying a Franchise ," which can help you understand how to use this disclosure document, is available from the Federal Trade Commission. You can contact the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP or by writing to the FTC at 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, D.C. 20580. You can also visit the FTC's home page at for additional information. Call your state agency or visit your public library for other sources of information on franchising.
(5) There may also be laws on franchising in your state. Ask your state agencies about them.
(6) [The issuance date].
(f) A franchisor may include the following statement between the statements set out at paragraphs (e)(2) and (3) of this section: "You may wish to receive your disclosure document in another format that is more convenient for you. To discuss the availability of disclosures in different formats, contact [name or office] at [address] and [telephone number]."
(g) Franchisors may include additional disclosures on the cover page, on a separate cover page, or addendum to comply with state pre-sale disclosure laws.

16 C.F.R. §436.3