Is the 'CROWNE PLAZA' trademark registration incontestable?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
llowing trademarks, service marks, trade names, logos and other commercial symbols ("Marks") are currently registered on the Principal Register of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and all required affidavits and renewals, if any, have also been filed. All registrations are on the Principal Register unless otherwise indicated.
| 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 |
| HO |
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 82–85)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crowne Plaza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, several of the brand's trademarks are considered incontestable registrations. Specifically, the trademark 'CROWNE PLAZA' with the registration number 1297211, registered on September 18, 1984, is listed as incontestable. This means Crowne Plaza has taken the necessary legal steps to strengthen its rights to this trademark, making it more difficult for others to challenge its use.
In addition to the primary 'CROWNE PLAZA' mark, other related trademarks like 'CROWNE PLAZA HOTELS & RESORTS (and design)' (Reg. No. 2895328, registered on October 19, 2004), 'CROWNE PLAZA LOGO' (Reg. No. 2329872, registered on March 14, 2000) and 'CROWNE PLAZA HOTELS & RESORTS AN IHG HOTEL (stylized and/or with design)' (Reg. No. 5546793, registered August 21, 2018) also have incontestable registrations. This provides Crowne Plaza with a strong legal position regarding its brand identity.
However, the FDD also mentions ongoing and past opposition and cancellation proceedings related to the 'CROWN' trademark by Crown Melbourne. While these proceedings do not directly challenge the 'CROWNE PLAZA' trademark's incontestability, they highlight potential disputes over similar marks. Prospective franchisees should be aware of these legal challenges, even though Crowne Plaza has the right to control any administrative proceedings or litigation involving a trademark licensed to the franchisee and the franchisee may not initiate litigation against infringers to enforce or protect the Brand System.
It is important for potential franchisees to understand that while Crowne Plaza has incontestable registrations for key trademarks, they must still adhere to the franchisor's guidelines for using the marks. Unauthorized use of the marks can be considered an infringement of Holiday's rights. Franchisees must also notify Holiday immediately of any infringements or challenges to the use of the marks.