Has the federal trademark registration for Chocolate Fish Coffee been renewed?

According to Chocolate Fish Coffee's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the federal trademark registration for their trademarks has not yet been renewed. The FDD states that because the federal trademark registration is less than six years old, it has not yet been renewed. The initial registration date for the trademarks 'Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters' is listed as April 28, 2020. Chocolate Fish Coffee states that they have filed all required affidavits.

This indicates that the initial trademark registrations are still within their initial term. In the United States, trademark registrations can last for ten years, with renewals possible for additional ten-year terms. The statement regarding the filing of 'all required affidavits' likely refers to the filings required to maintain the trademark during its initial term, which typically involve demonstrating continued use of the mark in commerce.

For a prospective Chocolate Fish Coffee franchisee, this information suggests that the trademarks are currently active and legally protected. However, it also implies that renewal will be a future consideration. It would be prudent for a potential franchisee to monitor the status of the trademarks and ensure that Chocolate Fish Coffee takes the necessary steps to renew the registrations when the time comes, as the trademarks are critical to the brand's identity and market recognition. The trademarks are owned by Nzus, Corp, an affiliate, and licensed to Chocolate Fish Coffee with the exclusive right to sublicense to franchisees throughout the United States.