What is the current status of the opposition proceedings regarding the C12 Group's two pending trademarks?
C12_Group Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
to change to alternative trademarks, which may increase your expenses.
We currently have opposition proceedings regarding our two pending trademarks. The opposition is ongoing, and the parties are working toward a settlement agreement that would allow for the registration of both marks.
You agree to use our current and future trademarks, service marks, trade names, document templates, logotypes, and domain names only in the ways we have approved in advance in writing as we have set
forth in our training and operating manuals or in other routine communications to C12, such a semiannual workshops and via our www.C12forums.com web-based portal for franchisee materials, resources, and information. C12 branding and marks will only be used in conjunction with the delivery of C12's goods and services and not with unaffiliated business which may be transacted by a C12 franchisee.
There are no currently effective material determinations of the USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, the trademark administrator of any state, or any court. Except as stated above, there are no pending infringements, oppositions, or cancellations concerning the principal trademarks. We have no knowledge of either superior rights or infringing uses that could materially affect your use of the principal trademarks in the state where your franchise may be located. There are no agreements currently in effect that significantly limit our rights to use or license the use of the principal trademarks in a manner material to the franchise.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 32–34)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 C12 Group Franchise Disclosure Document, C12 Group currently has opposition proceedings regarding its two pending trademarks. These proceedings are ongoing, but the parties involved are reportedly working towards a settlement agreement. This agreement, if reached, would allow for the registration of both trademarks.
This situation carries potential implications for prospective C12 Group franchisees. Because C12 Group does not have a federal registration for these two pending trademarks, the trademarks do not have as many legal benefits and rights as a federally registered trademark. If the right to use the trademarks is challenged, franchisees may have to change to alternative trademarks, which may increase their expenses. The outcome of the settlement agreement will determine the security and legal standing of these trademarks.
It is important to note that C12 Group states that there are no currently effective material determinations of the USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, the trademark administrator of any state, or any court. Furthermore, C12 Group states that, except as stated above, there are no pending infringements, oppositions, or cancellations concerning the principal trademarks. C12 Group also states that they have no knowledge of either superior rights or infringing uses that could materially affect a franchisee's use of the principal trademarks in the state where their franchise may be located. There is no pending litigation, settlement, or agreement that may limit a franchisee's use of any of C12 Group's trademarks.
Prospective franchisees should closely monitor the progress of the settlement agreement and seek updates from C12 Group regarding the status of the trademark opposition. Understanding the potential risks and outcomes associated with these proceedings is crucial for making an informed investment decision. Franchisees are obligated to use C12 Group's trademarks only in approved ways, as outlined in training materials and manuals, and must notify C12 Group immediately of any infringement or challenges to the trademarks.