On what date was the 'BENIHANA AT HOME' trademark registered?
Benihana Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
| Flower Design | 6,042,644 | 04/28/2020 |
|---|---|---|
| BENIHANA ORIGINAL GARLIC | 6,230,011 | 12/22/2020 |
| SAUCE | ||
| Chef Outfit Design | 6,258,436 | 01/26/2021 |
| RED FLOWER | 6,541,821 | 11/02/2021 |
| BENIHANA | 6,754,303 | 06/07/2022 |
| HIBACHI KO | 6,981,928 | 02/14/2023 |
| 6,981,931 | 02/14/2023 | |
| BENIHANA | 6,982,203 | 02/14/2023 |
| BENIHANA AT HOME | 7,243,174 | 12/12/2023 |
| BENIHANA | 7,255,845 | 12/26/2023 |
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 49–55)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the trademark 'BENIHANA AT HOME' was registered on December 12, 2023. The document provides a table listing various trademarks owned by Benihana, their registration numbers, and their respective registration dates. This information is relevant for prospective franchisees as it outlines the intellectual property they are authorized to use under the franchise agreement.
Understanding the registration dates of these trademarks can be important for franchisees. It confirms that Benihana has taken the necessary legal steps to protect its brand identity. This protection can help prevent other businesses from using similar names or logos, which could confuse customers and potentially harm the Benihana brand.
The registration of trademarks like 'BENIHANA AT HOME' also indicates the company's strategic direction. The 'BENIHANA AT HOME' trademark suggests that Benihana is expanding its brand beyond the traditional restaurant setting, potentially into retail products or home meal kits. This could represent an additional revenue stream for franchisees in the future, should Benihana choose to pursue these avenues.
It is important for potential franchisees to review the trademark information carefully and understand the scope of their rights to use the Benihana trademarks. The FDD specifies that franchisees may only use the trademarks in the manner authorized by Benihana and only for the operation of their Benihana restaurant. Franchisees are also prohibited from using the trademarks as part of their corporate or legal name.