Does Gold Star license future marks in writing?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Gold Star licenses you to use Marks containing the words "Gold Star" and "Gold Star Chili," and any other current or future Marks that Gold Star authorizes in writing, to identify your Franchise business. The primary trademarks, names, symbols and logos currently licensed to you to identify your Franchise business are set forth in Exhibit A to the Franchise Agreement. The Marks may be used only in operating the Restaurant and only subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Franchise Agreement and any other rules of Gold Star set forth in the Manual or otherwise. The Franchise Agreement and these other rules impose various restrictions on your use of the Marks.
Source: Item 13 — Trademarks (FDD pages 37–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Gold Star licenses franchisees to use marks containing "Gold Star" and "Gold Star Chili." Additionally, Gold Star licenses any other current or future marks that Gold Star authorizes in writing to identify the franchise business. The primary trademarks, names, symbols, and logos currently licensed are detailed in Exhibit A of the Franchise Agreement.
This means that as a Gold Star franchisee, you are granted the right to use specific trademarks to operate your franchise. These marks can only be used in accordance with the Franchise Agreement and any other rules set forth by Gold Star in their manual or otherwise. It is important for prospective franchisees to review Exhibit A to understand the scope of the currently approved marks.
The FDD also states that Gold Star is modernizing its trademarks and transitioning the system to use new marks. These marks are currently under "intent to use" applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, meaning they do not yet have the full legal benefits of federally registered trademarks. If the right to use these marks is challenged, franchisees may need to change to alternative trademarks, which could increase expenses. This highlights a potential risk for franchisees as the brand evolves its image.