Does Gokhale Method have federal registrations for the Unregistered Marks?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We also claim common-law rights to the stylized design of a tree as well as to the words "Primal PostureTM", "Gokhale Pain Free ChairTM", "Pendo PressTM", "SpineTrackerTM", and "PostureTrackerTM" (the "Unregistered Marks") that we use in connection with our trade names. We do not have federal registrations for the Unregistered Marks. Therefore, these trademarks do not have the legal benefits and rights they would have as a federally registered trademark. If our right to use these trademarks is challenged, you may have to change to an alternative trademark, which may increase your expenses.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 24–25)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Gokhale Method's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Gokhale Method does not have federal registrations for its Unregistered Marks. These unregistered marks include the stylized design of a tree, as well as the words "Primal PostureTM", "Gokhale Pain Free ChairTM", "Pendo PressTM", "SpineTrackerTM", and "PostureTrackerTM".
Because these marks are not federally registered, they lack the legal benefits and rights that come with federal registration. This means that Gokhale Method's rights to use these trademarks could be challenged.
If Gokhale Method's right to use these unregistered trademarks is challenged, a franchisee may be required to switch to an alternative trademark. This change could increase the franchisee's expenses as they rebrand materials. While Gokhale Method does have several registered trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, these specific marks mentioned are not among them.