Who owns the trademarks and operating systems that Big Blue Swim School licenses to franchisees?
Big_Blue_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Our affiliate Big Blue Swim School IP, LLC ("Big Blue IP"), whose principal business address is the same as ours, owns the trademarks, operating systems, and other intellectual property we license to franchisees. It licenses that intellectual property to us for use in our franchise program. Big Blue IP has never operated a BIG BLUE Swim School or offered franchises in any line of business.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–11)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Big Blue Swim School's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Big Blue Swim School IP, LLC, an affiliate of the franchisor, owns the trademarks, operating systems, and other intellectual property that Big Blue Swim School licenses to its franchisees. Big Blue Swim School IP, LLC, has the same principal business address as the franchisor.
This means that while franchisees operate under the Big Blue Swim School brand and utilize its systems, the ownership of the core intellectual property resides with a separate entity, Big Blue Swim School IP, LLC. This entity then licenses the intellectual property to Big Blue Swim School Franchising, LLC, for use in the franchise program.
It is important to note that Big Blue Swim School IP, LLC, has never operated a Big Blue Swim School or offered franchises in any line of business. This structure is not uncommon in franchising, as it can help protect the intellectual property assets of the franchise system. Prospective franchisees should understand this relationship and how it might affect their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement.