When did J&J's assign the trademarks to Creative Colors?
Creative_Colors Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
J&J's was the original owner of the Marks. J&J's registered the following Marks on the Principal Register of the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO"):
Trademark: "CREATIVE COLORS INTERNATIONAL"
Registration No.: 1,731,631
Registration Date: November 10, 1992 Expires: November 10, 2032
Word Mark: Creative Colors International
Service Mark: "CCI" Registration No.: 4,908,242 Registration Date: March 1, 2016 Expires: March 1, 2026
Word Mark: CCI
On March 25, 1991, J&J's and we entered into a license agreement, which gave us the exclusive right to use and sublicense the Marks for the Franchise Agreement. On May 15, 2020, J&J's assigned the Marks to us, which effectively terminated the License Agreement dated March 25, 1991. The Assignment of Trademark was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on May 20, 2020.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 33–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Creative Colors's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, J&J's assigned the trademarks to Creative Colors on May 15, 2020. This assignment effectively terminated the license agreement between J&J's and Creative Colors, which had been in place since March 25, 1991, granting Creative Colors the exclusive right to use and sublicense the marks for the Franchise Agreement. The Assignment of Trademark was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on May 20, 2020.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that Creative Colors now owns the trademarks associated with the brand, providing a level of security and control over the brand's identity. The franchisee can use these marks in the operation of their franchised business, but must adhere to specific guidelines.
Specifically, the franchisee cannot use the marks as part of any corporate or trade name, or with any prefix, suffix, or other modifying words, terms, designs, or symbols, or in any modified form. Creative Colors maintains control over the brand's online presence, including websites and email addresses, and franchisees must prominently display the marks as prescribed by Creative Colors on signs, forms, and other materials. Franchisees must also notify Creative Colors of any potential infringement or challenges to the use of the marks.