Does MICO have a federal registration for all of the Expense Reduction Analysts trademarks?

According to Expense Reduction Analysts's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, MICO, the entity that licenses the trademarks to Expense Reduction Analysts, does not have a federal registration for all of the trademarks. The FDD states that because some trademarks lack federal registration, they may not have the same legal protections as federally registered trademarks. This poses a risk to franchisees. If the right to use these unregistered trademarks is challenged, franchisees may be required to switch to alternative trademarks, potentially increasing their expenses.

Despite some trademarks lacking federal registration, Expense Reduction Analysts states that all required affidavits relating to the marks have been filed. As of the FDD's publication, there are no effective determinations by the USPTO, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, or any court, and no pending interference, opposition, cancellation proceedings, or material litigation involving the marks. Additionally, there is no current litigation that would limit Expense Reduction Analysts's ability to license the marks to franchisees.

Prospective Expense Reduction Analysts franchisees should be aware of the risks associated with using trademarks that are not federally registered. While Expense Reduction Analysts is not required to defend franchisees against claims related to their use of the marks, they will reimburse franchisees for reasonable expenses incurred in legal proceedings disputing authorized use, provided the franchisee notifies them in a timely manner and complies with their directives. However, Expense Reduction Analysts will not cover expenses if the franchisee's use of the marks was unauthorized or for removing signage or discontinuing the use of any marks. Franchisees are responsible for the tangible costs of compliance if they need to modify or discontinue the use of a trademark.