What trade and/or service marks are included in the Crowne Plaza Brand System?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Brand System includes all elements which are designed to identify "Crowne Plaza®" hotels to the public or are designed to be associated with those hotels or to contribute to such identification or association and all elements which identify or reflect the quality standards and business practices of such hotels, all as specified in this License or as designated from time to time by IHG. The Brand System at present includes, but is not limited to:
- (1) the principal trade and/or service mark "Crowne Plaza®", the service marks "IHG One Rewards" and "IHG Concerto™" and the other Marks (as defined in paragraph 6.B. (below) and intellectual property rights made available to licensees of the Brand System by reason of a license;
- (2) standards, specifications and policies for construction, furnishings, operation, appearance and service of the Hotel, standards and specifications for interior and exterior design and décor, and other requirements as stated or referred to in this License and from time to time in IHG's brand standards for Brand System hotels (the "Standards") or in other communications to Licensee;
- (3) registered and unregistered intellectual property, including without limitation copyrights, trademarks, service marks, logos, designs, know-how, confidential or proprietary information standards, specifications and policies for construction, furnishing, operation, appearance and service of hotels operating as Brand System hotels, and similar property rights;
- (4) all rights to the domain names and other identifications or elements used in electronic commerce as may be designated from time to time by IHG in accordance with IHG's specifications to be part of the Brand System;
- (5) access through IHG to the technology systems, loyalty programs, sales and catering system and other related systems operated in accordance with specifications established by IHG;
- (6) access through IHG to multiple call centres and central reservations offices around the world handling reservations;
- (7) access through IHG to brand marketing services and distribution marketing services including global advertising and publicity and other marketing programs and materials;
- (8) training programs and materials;
- (9) a worldwide hotel distribution of Brand System hotels;
- (10) a guest loyalty program (currently named IHG® One Rewards);
- (11) a recognized presence on the internet;
- (12) an e-commerce team and presence for the given IHG brand and other IHG brands on the internet;
- (13) a global sales team;
- (14) global market coverage; and
- (15) programs for inspecting the Hotel, measuring and assessing service and consumer opinion.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–424)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Crowne Plaza Franchise Disclosure Document, the Brand System includes the principal trade and service mark "Crowne Plaza®", the service marks "IHG One Rewards" and "IHG Concerto™", and other Marks. These Marks encompass distinguishing characteristics, service marks, trademarks, trade names, slogans, commercial symbols, logos, trade dress, copyrighted material, and intellectual property associated with the Brand System. IHG may designate additional marks for use in the future or withdraw existing ones.
Crowne Plaza acknowledges IHG's exclusive ownership and right to use the Brand System and its components. Franchisees cannot contest IHG's ownership or take actions that undermine it. All improvements, modifications, and additions to the Brand System, including service marks, trademarks, copyrights, and domain name registrations, become the property of IHG. Upon the license's expiration or termination, no monetary value is assigned to the goodwill associated with the franchisee's use of the Brand System.
Crowne Plaza franchisees must notify IHG immediately of any infringements or challenges to the use of the Marks, objections, demands, controversies, or potentially infringing uses of the Marks or any part of the Brand System. IHG has the sole right to handle disputes concerning the use of the Marks or Brand System. Franchisees must cooperate fully with IHG in such matters and at their own expense. IHG is not obligated to initiate lawsuits against alleged infringers and may settle disputes through licensing or other means. Franchisees are prohibited from initiating any legal actions to enforce or protect the Marks or Brand System.
Both Crowne Plaza and IHG are expected to protect and maintain the Marks. Franchisees must execute documents necessary to maintain protection for the Marks and use them only in connection with the operation of the Hotel during the License Term, in the manner authorized by IHG. The Marks cannot be used in any way that would allow them to become generic, misleading, or detrimental to the reputation of the Marks or IHG. Unauthorized use of the Marks constitutes infringement of IHG's rights. If IHG modifies or discontinues any of the licensed Marks, franchisees must comply with IHG's instructions and will not be entitled to compensation.