What is the status of the 'EXPERTISE THAT DELIVERS' trademark for Craters & Freighters?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Mark | Application Filing Date | Status | Serial No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXPERTISE THAT DELIVERS | N/A | COMMON LAW | N/A |
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 32–34)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Craters & Freighters' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the trademark 'EXPERTISE THAT DELIVERS' is considered a common law trademark and does not have a federal registration. The application filing date and serial number are not applicable ('N/A').
This means that Craters & Freighters does not have the same legal protections for this trademark as they would for a federally registered trademark. As the FDD states, this type of trademark does not have as many legal benefits and rights as a federally registered trademark. If Craters & Freighters' right to use this trademark is challenged, franchisees may have to change to an alternative trademark, which may increase their expenses.
As a prospective franchisee, it's important to understand the implications of using a common law trademark. While Craters & Freighters states they will protect your right to use the marks and will defend the marks at their expense, the lack of federal registration could make the trademark more vulnerable to legal challenges. It would be prudent to discuss with Craters & Freighters what alternative trademarks might be available and what the process and costs would be if a change were necessary.