What is the filing date for the 'COURTYARD HOMES' service mark application filed by Epcon Communities?
Epcon_Communities Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- Service Mark: COURTYARD HOMES
Services: Real estate development services in the field of condominiums
and single family Homes; Construction services, namely,
planning, laying out and construction of residential communities.
Registration Date: Pending Serial No.: 98003542 Filing Date: May 18, 2023
We do not have federal registration for the two principal trademarks listed above. Therefore, our trademarks do not have many legal benefits and rights as a federally-registered trademark. If our right to use the trademarks is challenged, you may have to change to an alternative trademark, which may increase your expenses.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 50–53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Epcon Communities's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the filing date for the service mark application for "COURTYARD HOMES" is May 18, 2023. The service mark is intended for real estate development services in the field of condominiums and single-family homes, as well as construction services such as planning, laying out, and constructing residential communities. The serial number for this pending application is 98003542.
It is important to note that Epcon Communities does not currently have federal registration for this trademark. This means that the trademark lacks many of the legal benefits and rights associated with a federally-registered trademark. A prospective franchisee should understand the implications of using a mark that is not federally registered, as it could be subject to challenge.
If Epcon Communities's right to use the "COURTYARD HOMES" trademark is challenged, franchisees may be required to switch to an alternative trademark. This change could lead to increased expenses for the franchisee. Therefore, it is crucial for potential franchisees to assess the risks associated with using a non-federally registered trademark and to discuss with Epcon Communities the potential costs and procedures involved if a change becomes necessary.