Does an unrelated third party own a registration for the URL www.beggars.com, which is similar to Beggars Pizza's website?
Beggars_Pizza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may ourselves or through sublicensed affiliated entities open Beggars Pizza® Restaurants using the Proprietary Marks at locations which do not violate the rights granted to you and our other franchisees.
There are currently no effective determinations of the USPTO, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, or any state trademark administrator or court, any pending infringement, opposition, or cancellation proceeding, or any pending material federal or state litigation involving the Proprietary Marks.
There are no agreements currently in effect that significantly limit our rights to use or license the use of the Proprietary Marks in any manner material to the franchise. We know of no superior prior rights or infringing uses that could materially affect your use of the Proprietary Marks. However, an unrelated third party owns a registration for the URL www.beggars.com. Our principal website is www.beggarspizza.com.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 28–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Beggars Pizza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an unrelated third party owns the registration for the URL www.beggars.com. Beggars Pizza's principal website is www.beggarspizza.com. This means that while Beggars Pizza operates its business through its own specific website, a different entity controls a very similar domain name.
For a prospective franchisee, this situation presents a potential risk. Customers who misremember the web address could end up on the third party's website instead of Beggars Pizza's official site. This could divert potential business and possibly expose customers to misleading information if the third-party site is not related to Beggars Pizza. It is important to note that Beggars Pizza is aware of this issue and operates its business through www.beggarspizza.com.
While Beggars Pizza claims common law rights to its trademarks and service marks, the existence of a similar URL owned by a third party highlights the importance of Beggars Pizza franchisees ensuring they actively promote the correct website address in all marketing and advertising materials. This will help minimize customer confusion and ensure that online traffic is directed to the franchisee's intended online presence. Franchisees should also confirm with Beggars Pizza what steps, if any, the company takes to mitigate potential confusion arising from the third-party owned URL.