Does the Dog Haus franchisor have to file affidavits for their trademarks, and if so, when?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Operating Company assigned all of its right title and interest in the Dog Haus Marks to us. We will file all required affidavits when they become due, as prescribed by law. No agreements are currently in effect which limit our use of the trademarks in any manner material to the franchise.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 57–60)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company confirms its responsibility to file all necessary affidavits for its trademarks as legally required. This means Dog Haus is committed to maintaining its trademark registrations by fulfilling the periodic filing obligations with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). These filings, typically Sections 8 and 15 affidavits, are necessary to demonstrate continued use of the trademarks and to maintain their incontestable status.
For a prospective franchisee, this indicates that Dog Haus is actively managing and protecting its brand identity. By keeping its trademarks in good standing, Dog Haus reduces the risk of legal challenges to the brand, which could disrupt a franchisee's business operations. This also ensures that the franchisee can continue using the Dog Haus name and associated marks without fear of infringement issues, as long as they adhere to the franchise agreement terms.
While the FDD states that Dog Haus will file all required affidavits when due, it does not specify the exact timing or frequency of these filings. These deadlines are determined by trademark law and the specific registration dates of each trademark. A potential franchisee might want to confirm with Dog Haus that all trademarks are current and in good standing with the USPTO. This due diligence can provide additional assurance that the brand's intellectual property is being properly maintained.