Is the "IN YOUR LANE" mark registered or an application for Big Blue Swim School?
Big_Blue_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| MARK | REGISTRATION (R) OR APPLICATION (A) NUMBER | REGISTRATION (R) OR APPLICATION (A) DATE |
|---|---|---|
| "BB" and Design | ||
| 6,591,772 (R) | 12/14/2021 (R) | |
| "BIG BLUE SWIM | 6,591,773 (R) | 12/14/2021 (R) |
| SCHOOL" and | ||
| Design | ||
| "BIG BLUE SWIM | 6,755,215 (R) | 06/07/2022 (R) |
| SCHOOL" and | ||
| Design | ||
| "THE BIG | 6,815,389 (R) | 08/09/2022 (R) |
| MOMENTS | ||
| JOURNEY" (word | ||
| mark) | ||
| "MY SPLASH | 90,498,412 (R) | 02/25/2025 (R) |
| ZONE" (word mark) | ||
| "IN YOUR LANE" | 99162663 (A) | April 30, 2025 (A) |
| (word mark) | ||
| "BIG BLUE" (word | 99153345 (A) | 04/24/2025 (A) |
| mark) (for class | ||
| name) | ||
| "BOLD BLUE" | 99153336 (A) | 04/24/2025 (A) |
| (word mark) | ||
| "BABY BLUE" | 99151942 (A) | 04/23/2025 (A) |
| (word mark) | ||
| "BRIGHT BLUE" | 99153275 (A) | 04/24/2025 (A) |
| (word mark) |
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 55–58)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Big Blue Swim School's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the trademark "IN YOUR LANE" is currently under application, not yet registered. Specifically, the application number for the "IN YOUR LANE" mark is 99162663, with an application date of April 30, 2025. Because Big Blue IP does not have federal registrations for these Marks, the Marks do not have many legal benefits and rights as federally-registered trademarks. If their right to use the Marks is challenged, a franchisee may have to change to an alternative trademark, which may increase their expenses.
This distinction is important for prospective franchisees because unregistered trademarks have fewer legal protections than registered ones. If Big Blue Swim School's application is not approved or if a third party challenges their use of the "IN YOUR LANE" mark, franchisees might be required to rebrand their marketing materials, signage, and other branded items. This could lead to unexpected costs for the franchisee.
Big Blue IP (or its affiliate) filed applications for the last 5 Marks appearing in the table above (and identified by application numbers and dates) based on its actual use of or intent to use the Marks in commerce. Big Blue IP does not have federal registrations for these Marks. Therefore, the Marks do not have many legal benefits and rights as federally-registered trademarks. If our right to use the Marks is challenged, you may have to change to an alternative trademark, which may increase your expenses.
It is common practice for franchisors to use both registered and unregistered trademarks. Registered trademarks offer stronger legal protection, but the application process can be lengthy. Franchisors often use unregistered marks while pursuing registration. Prospective Big Blue Swim School franchisees should be aware of the risks associated with using an unregistered mark and should inquire about the status of the "IN YOUR LANE" trademark application during their due diligence.