On what date was the 'CROWNE PLAZA' trademark registered?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Mark | Reg. No. | Date |
|---|---|---|
| *CROWNE PLAZA HOTELS & RESORTS (and | 2895328 | 10/19/04 |
| design) | ||
| *SLEEP ADVANTAGE | 2962629 | 06/14/05 |
| *CROWNE PLAZA | 1297211 | 09/18/84 |
| *CROWNE PLAZA LOGO | 2329872 | 03/14/00 |
| *CROWNE PLAZA HOTELS & RESORTS AN IHG | 5546793 | 08/21/18 |
| HOTEL (stylized and/or with design) | ||
| *IHG | 3544074 | 12/09/08 |
| *IHG | 4921698 | 03/22/16 |
| IHG HOTELS & RESORTS | 7080612 | 06/13/23 |
| IHG ONE REWARDS | 7198265 | 10/24/23 |
| IHG 1 ONE REWARDS (logo) | 7198175 | 10/24/23 |
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 82–85)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crowne Plaza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the trademark 'CROWNE PLAZA' was registered on September 18, 1984, with the registration number 1297211. This registration is listed on the Principal Register of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and all necessary affidavits and renewals have been filed. This indicates that Crowne Plaza has taken the steps to protect its brand identity through formal trademark registration.
In addition to the 'CROWNE PLAZA' trademark, the FDD lists several other registered trademarks associated with the brand, including 'CROWNE PLAZA HOTELS & RESORTS' (and design), 'SLEEP ADVANTAGE', 'CROWNE PLAZA LOGO', and 'CROWNE PLAZA HOTELS & RESORTS AN IHG HOTEL'. These marks have different registration dates and numbers, reflecting the ongoing efforts to secure and differentiate the brand's various elements. The presence of multiple registered trademarks highlights the importance Crowne Plaza places on protecting its intellectual property.
It is important for a prospective franchisee to understand the implications of these trademark registrations. As a franchisee, you are granted the right to operate a hotel under these trademarks, but this right is subject to certain restrictions. You must use the marks in compliance with Crowne Plaza's requirements and in a manner that does not harm the brand's reputation. Unauthorized use of the trademarks can be considered an infringement of Crowne Plaza's rights. Furthermore, franchisees cannot register any of the marks as part of an internet domain name or URL without authorization.
Crowne Plaza retains control over any legal proceedings related to the trademarks. Franchisees are required to notify Crowne Plaza immediately if they become aware of any infringement or challenges to the use of the marks. While franchisees must cooperate with Crowne Plaza in protecting the trademarks, Crowne Plaza is not obligated to take action against infringers or to indemnify franchisees in legal proceedings. This underscores the importance of adhering to the franchisor's guidelines for trademark usage and reporting any potential issues promptly.