Who is the inventor and owner of the two patents material to the Gokhale Method franchise?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Esther Gokhale is the inventor and owner of two patents that are material to the franchise. The two patents cover products that franchisees may use in classes and sell to students or members of the public.
The first patent is titled "Ergonomic systems and devices." It is a mechanical patent bearing number 7,540,564, issued June 2, 2009 for a period of 17 years. This patent covers a system or device for providing traction or support to portions of the user's body to help stretch or decompress the user's spine. The patent can be used in chairs, beds, cushions or other articles of furniture.
The second patent is titled "Cushion Device." It is a design patent bearing number D604,084, issued November 17, 2009 for 17 years. This patent covers an ornamental design for a cushion device.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 25–26)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Gokhale Method Franchise Disclosure Document, Esther Gokhale is both the inventor and the owner of two patents that are considered material to the franchise. These patents specifically cover products that Gokhale Method franchisees may use during classes and have the option to sell to their students or members of the public.
The first patent, titled "Ergonomic systems and devices" and bearing patent number 7,540,564, was issued on June 2, 2009, for a term of 17 years. This patent pertains to a system or device designed to provide traction or support to specific areas of a user's body, which aids in stretching or decompressing the spine. The patent's utility extends to various applications, including chairs, beds, cushions, and other furniture items.
The second patent, titled "Cushion Device" and bearing patent number D604,084, is a design patent that was issued on November 17, 2009, also for a term of 17 years. This patent protects the ornamental design of a cushion device. As a Gokhale Method franchisee, understanding these patents is important as they relate to products you might use or sell in your business. However, the FDD also states that while franchisees can resell products protected by these patents, they do not acquire any rights to the underlying intellectual property.