If I operate a Swirl Bakery, what design mark will Cinnabon license me to use on signage?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ter the following design on the Principal Register of the USPTO:
| Mark | Application Number | Application Date |
|---|---|---|
| 97/799438 | 2/17/2023 | |
| 97/799441 | 2/17/2023 |
At this time, we do not have a registration for this trademark. Therefore, this trademark does not have many of the legal benefits and rights as a federally-registered trademark. If your right to use this trademark is challenged, you may have to change to an alternative trademark which will increase your expenses.
If you operate a Swirl Bakery, we will license you the right to use the Cinnabon Swirl™ design mark as the primary mark on signage for your Swirl Bakery. We will also permit you to use other Proprietary Marks in conjunction with the operation of the Swirl Bakery, in addition to the Carvel® marks that Carvel will license you to use in the Swirl Bakery through the Co-Branded Agreement. The Carvel marks are described in Carvel's Franchise Disclosure Document.
Other Proprietary Marks have been, or may be, applied for or registered with the USPTO. The provisions of the Franchise Agreement apply to any and all other trademarks, service marks, and trade dress authorized and licensed for use by us to you during the term of the Franchise Agreement. We may specify the other Proprietary Marks that you may use, if any, in writing from time to time. You must comply with the proper use and marking of the Proprietary Marks as we indicate in the Manuals or otherwise. We update the Manuals periodically, and add or delete Proprietary Marks on a continuing basis.
We are the owner of all right, title and interest in and to the Proprietary Marks and the goodwill associated with them. All goodwill associated with the Proprietary Marks remains our exclusive property. All usage of the trademarks by you and any goodwill established will inure to our exclusive benefit.
There are no agreements currently in effect which could significantly limit our rights to use or license the Proprietary Marks.
Source: Item 13 — Trademarks (FDD pages 87–89)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if you operate a Swirl Bakery, Cinnabon will license you the right to use the Cinnabon Swirl™ design mark as the primary mark on signage. Additionally, you're permitted to use other Proprietary Marks in conjunction with the operation of the Swirl Bakery. You will also be able to use Carvel® marks that Carvel will license for use in the Swirl Bakery through a Co-Branded Agreement.
It's important to note that Cinnabon does not currently have a registration for the Cinnabon Swirl™ trademark. As a result, this trademark may not have the same legal protections as a federally-registered trademark. If your right to use this trademark is challenged, you may be required to switch to an alternative trademark, which could increase your expenses.
As a Cinnabon franchisee, your rights to use the Proprietary Marks are derived solely from the Franchise Agreement. You are only allowed to use these marks to identify the Bakery, unless Cinnabon authorizes otherwise. Upon expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement, all rights to use the Proprietary Marks will revert back to Cinnabon automatically, without any payment to you, and you will retain no rights in these marks. You must also adhere to Cinnabon's standards, specifications, requirements, and instructions when using the Proprietary Marks.