What is the registration date for the 'DELTA HOTELS BY MARRIOTT' trademark of Delta Hotels By Marriott?

According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the 'DELTA HOTELS BY MARRIOTT' trademark was registered on January 7, 2020. The trademark registration number is 5955797. Delta Hotels By Marriott grants franchisees the right to operate a hotel under the 'Delta Hotels' or 'Delta Hotels by Marriott' name, contingent upon compliance with their standards. Franchisees can also use other trademarks designated by Delta Hotels By Marriott for hotel operations. Trademarks include trade names, service marks, logos, and other symbols, whether registered or unregistered, used to identify the hotel. Delta Hotels By Marriott states that they have registered the principal trademarks on the Principal Register of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Delta Hotels By Marriott is currently involved in a legal dispute with Delta Air Lines, Inc. regarding trademark infringement, which could potentially affect a franchisee's use of the 'Delta Hotels' trademarks. Specifically, Delta Air Lines filed proceedings to cancel Marriott's United States Registration No. 5955797. These proceedings have been suspended pending the outcome of the federal litigation. Additionally, Delta Air Lines has filed similar actions in other jurisdictions, including a lawsuit in the UK High Court of Justice and another in the Court of Milan, Italy. The UK lawsuit is stayed pending resolution of the proceedings in the US district court. The case in Italy is ongoing, with initial defense papers filed in February 2025 and further proceedings scheduled throughout 2025.

Delta Hotels By Marriott requires franchisees to promptly notify them in writing of any trademark infringements or challenges to the use of their trademarks. Delta Hotels By Marriott retains sole control over the defense and settlement of any claims involving the trademarks, and franchisees must cooperate fully in such matters. If a franchisee complies with the franchise agreement, Delta Hotels By Marriott will indemnify them against third-party claims that their use of the trademarks infringes upon the rights of another party. However, this indemnification is contingent upon the franchisee providing immediate written notice of any claim and cooperating fully with Delta Hotels By Marriott in defending or settling the claim. Delta Hotels By Marriott is not obligated to indemnify or defend a franchisee if they are in default under the franchise agreement or if the claim is based on unauthorized use of the trademark.