In what year was the name Gokhale Method trademarked?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
[Item 1: THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES]
Parent or Predecessor. Esther Gokhale, our founder and president, is our predecessor and has conducted classes in yoga and posture since at least 1980. She began teaching classes dedicated to posture for back pain in 1992 and was certified to teach Aplomb®, a branded form of posture instruction, in 1993. Beginning in approximately 1996, Ms. Gokhale began researching and developing the distinctive style, content and pedagogic approach that became the Gokhale Method. The name Gokhale Method was trademarked in 2010. In April, 2008, she published the book & Steps to a Pain Free Back, and at that time began teaching group courses in posture to relieve back pain. Other than as disclosed above, Ms. Gokhale has not conducted business in any other line of business, and has not offered franchises in any other line of business. Ms. Gokhale entered into Affiliate Program Agreements, described immediately below, which may be considered the offering of franchises in this line of business.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–10)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Gokhale Method Franchise Disclosure Document, the name Gokhale Method was trademarked in 2010. Prior to developing the Gokhale Method, Esther Gokhale, the founder and president, taught yoga and posture classes beginning in 1980. In 1992, she began teaching classes specifically focused on posture for back pain, and in 1993, she became certified to teach Aplomb, a branded form of posture instruction.
In approximately 1996, Ms. Gokhale started researching and developing the unique style, content, and teaching approach that would become the Gokhale Method. This timeline illustrates the evolution of the Gokhale Method from general posture and yoga instruction to a specialized method, culminating in the trademarking of the name in 2010.
For prospective franchisees, this information highlights the established history and proprietary nature of the Gokhale Method. The trademark provides a level of brand protection and recognition, which can be beneficial in a competitive market. Franchisees can leverage the established brand name and reputation associated with the Gokhale Method, which has been developed and refined over several decades.