When was the Cilantro Taco Grill trademark filed?

According to Cilantro Taco Grill's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the filing date for one of its principal marks is July 20, 2018. Specifically, the trademark with Filing Number 88046940 was filed on this date and was subsequently registered under Registration Number 6132986 on August 25, 2020, with Principal register. CTG IP LLC owns the marks and grants Cilantro Taco Grill the exclusive right to use and license them.

For a prospective franchisee, understanding the trademark details is crucial. It confirms that Cilantro Taco Grill has taken steps to legally protect its brand. The registration of the trademark provides legal rights and protection against infringement, which benefits franchisees by maintaining brand integrity and preventing others from using similar marks in their territory.

The FDD also indicates that Cilantro Taco Grill's affiliate, CTG IP LLC, is responsible for filing necessary affidavits with the USPTO and has done so to date. This ongoing maintenance of the trademark is important because it ensures the continued validity and enforceability of the trademark. Franchisees should be aware that Cilantro Taco Grill reserves the right to substitute different marks if the current ones can no longer be used or if a substitution is deemed beneficial to the system. This could require franchisees to modify or stop using existing marks at their own expense.

Furthermore, the FDD states that franchisees must notify Cilantro Taco Grill immediately if they become aware of any infringement or challenges to the use of the principal marks. In such cases, Cilantro Taco Grill and its affiliate will take appropriate action and indemnify the franchisee for expenses and damages arising from claims challenging the authorized use of the marks, provided the franchisee has given timely notice and is in full compliance with the Franchise Agreement. This provides a level of security and support for franchisees in protecting the brand's trademarks.