What is the registration status of the 'WHOPPER' trademark for Burger King?
Burger_King Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[Item 13: TRADEMARKS]
| Trademark/Service Mark | Status | Serial / Registration Number | Application / Registration Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAVE IT YOUR WAY | Registered | Reg. 961016 | Reg. 06/12/1973 |
| HAVE IT YOUR WAY (Stylized) | Registered | Reg. 1081348 | Reg. 01/03/1978 |
| HOME OF THE WHOPPER | Registered | Reg. 782990 | Reg. 01/05/1965 |
| KING JR | Registered | Reg. 5392316 | Reg. 01/30/2018 |
| WHOPPER | Registered | Reg. 3736973 | Reg. 01/12/2010 |
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 74–77)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Burger King's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the trademark 'WHOPPER' is registered. The registration number is Reg. 3736973, and the registration date is January 12, 2010. This means Burger King has legal protection for the 'WHOPPER' trademark, preventing others from using it in a way that could confuse consumers. Burger King considers this one of their principal trademarks.
As a Burger King franchisee, you are granted the right to use Burger King's current trademarks, including 'WHOPPER', in the operation of your restaurant. However, you must follow Burger King's rules when using these trademarks and cannot use them in unauthorized ways, such as part of a corporate name or with modifying words without written authorization.
Burger King retains sole discretion in deciding what action to take regarding any suspected infringement of their trademarks. Franchisees are required to notify Burger King of any suspected infringement or challenges to the trademarks and must cooperate in any resulting legal proceedings. This protects the brand's image and reputation, which ultimately benefits all franchisees. Burger King states that all registrations required to be renewed have been or will be renewed on a timely basis, and all required affidavits have been or will be filed for these principal trademarks.