Does Gokhale Method have to promote a substitute trademark if they discontinue a mark?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We have the right to modify, add to, or discontinue use of the Marks, or to substitute different Marks, for use in identifying the Gokhale System and the businesses operating under the Marks. You must promptly comply with any required changes, revisions and/or substitutions, and will pay all the costs of modifying your signs, advertising materials, interior graphics and any other items which bear the Marks. We have no liability or obligation whatsoever with respect to any required modification or discontinuance of any Mark or the promotion of a substitute trademark, service mark or trade dress.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 24–25)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Gokhale Method's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Gokhale Method has the right to modify, add to, or discontinue the use of their marks, or even substitute different marks. This gives Gokhale Method considerable flexibility in managing its brand and intellectual property.
However, Gokhale Method is not obligated to promote a substitute trademark, service mark, or trade dress if they discontinue a mark. As a franchisee, you must promptly comply with any required changes, revisions, or substitutions to the marks and will be responsible for covering the costs of modifying any signs, advertising materials, interior graphics, and other items that display the marks.
This means that if Gokhale Method decides to change its trademarks, franchisees will bear the financial burden of updating their business's branding to align with the new marks. This could potentially involve significant expenses, depending on the extent of the changes and the amount of branded material that needs to be updated. Franchisees should be aware of this potential cost and factor it into their financial planning.