Are there any known pending infringement, opposition, or cancellation proceedings involving Del Taco's marks relevant to their use in any state?

According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there are no known effective material determinations of the Patent and Trademark Office, Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, the trademark administrator of any state, or any court, nor are there any pending infringement, opposition, or cancellation proceedings, or any pending material litigation involving Del Taco's marks relevant to their use in any state. Additionally, Del Taco states that they have no agreements that significantly limit their rights to use or license the use of their marks. They also state that they know of no prior rights or infringing uses that would have a material effect on a franchisee's use of their marks.

This statement provides some assurance to a potential Del Taco franchisee that the trademarks they will be using to operate their franchise are not currently subject to any legal challenges that could limit their use. It suggests that Del Taco has taken steps to protect its trademarks and ensure that franchisees can operate under the brand name without immediate legal concerns regarding trademark usage.

However, it is important to note that this statement reflects the situation at the time the 2025 FDD was issued. Trademark disputes can arise at any time. While Del Taco states they will protect a franchisee against claims of infringement or unfair competition, they do not have to indemnify a franchisee against, or reimburse them for, any damages that they suffer in any proceeding arising out of the use of any name or mark or for any costs incurred in the defense of any of those claims. A prospective franchisee should conduct their own due diligence and consult with an attorney to fully understand the risks associated with trademark use and potential future disputes.