What is the registration number for the 'Hillbilly' trademark used by Aunt Millies Bakeries?
Aunt_Millies_Bakeries Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Trademark | Date Registered | Registration # |
|---|---|---|
| Hillbilly (Licensed; see below) | March 9, 1965 | 0786501 |
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 29–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aunt Millies Bakeries's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the registration number for the 'Hillbilly' trademark is 0786501. The trademark was registered on March 9, 1965. Aunt Millies Bakeries licenses the 'Hillbilly' trademark, meaning they have an agreement with the trademark owner to use it for specific products or in certain territories.
As a franchisee, it's important to understand the terms of these licensed trademarks. Aunt Millies Bakeries has the right to manufacture, sell, and distribute products under the 'Hillbilly' mark through a license agreement with Roush Bakery Products, Inc. This agreement, dated December 10, 1975, grants Aunt Millies Bakeries the exclusive right to sell Hillbilly Bread in specific areas of Indiana and Ohio. If a franchisee's sales area falls within this territory, they are permitted to distribute Hillbilly Bread products alongside Aunt Millie's and Koepplinger's products.
However, the Roush License Agreement has specific conditions that Aunt Millies Bakeries must adhere to, such as maintaining at least 40 grocery routes for Hillbilly Bread distribution and selling an average of 100 units per route per week. Failure to meet these conditions could lead to the termination of the agreement. While the agreement is for an indefinite period, Roush can terminate it with 10 days' notice for cause, and Aunt Millies Bakeries can cancel it with 120 days' written notice. This means that a franchisee's ability to sell Hillbilly Bread could be affected if Aunt Millies Bakeries loses the rights to the trademark.
It is also important to note that Aunt Millies Bakeries does not have the authority to file required affidavits or renew the registrations of the Licensed Marks. This responsibility lies with the trademark owner, Roush. As a franchisee, you should be aware of these limitations and understand that the continued use of the 'Hillbilly' trademark depends on the relationship between Aunt Millies Bakeries and Roush.