Who owns the Marks and associated goodwill for the Gokhale Method?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Preamble: We have developed a method for restoring Primal PostureTM as evidenced by young children, our ancestors and people in non-industrial cultures (the "Gokhale Method®") as well as materials, procedures and protocols for teaching the Gokhale Method (the "Gokhale System") as well as materials, procedures and protocols for operating a business teaching it (the "Gokhale Way") under trademarks and trade names that we or our affiliate own or may own in the future (the "Marks"). You wish to teach the Gokhale System and to use the Gokhale Way to operate a business (the "Franchised Business") as well as to use the Marks and we are willing to grant you certain rights to do so, as set forth herein.
1. GRANT OF FRANCHISE
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 34)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Gokhale Method Franchise Disclosure Document, Gokhale Method Institute, Inc. (GMI) was formed by Gokhale Method Enterprise, Inc. (GME) to franchise the Gokhale Method. GMI grants franchises for businesses offering classes and products that help restore the body's primal architecture and movement patterns under the "Gokhale Method" trademarks and related marks.
The FDD specifies that GMI or its affiliate owns or may own in the future the trademarks and trade names (the "Marks") associated with the Gokhale Method. As a franchisee, you acknowledge that you will receive specialized training and confidential information regarding the Gokhale Method and techniques. Franchisees are prohibited from diverting customers to competitors or performing any actions that could harm the goodwill associated with the Marks and the System.
Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must cease all operations and immediately stop representing themselves as a Gokhale Method Franchised Business. They must also discontinue using any of Gokhale Method's intellectual property, including confidential information, methods, procedures, techniques, and all Marks. This includes removing all signs, advertising materials, and other articles displaying the Marks and taking necessary actions to cancel any assumed name registrations containing the word "Gokhale" or any other Marks.