What specific marks containing the words 'Gold Star' are licensed for use?
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, franchisees are licensed to use marks containing the words "Gold Star" and "Gold Star Chili." Gold Star may also authorize additional current or future marks in writing. Exhibit A to the Franchise Agreement lists the primary trademarks, names, symbols, and logos currently licensed to identify the franchise business. These marks can only be used in operating the restaurant and are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Franchise Agreement and any other rules set forth in the manual or otherwise by Gold Star. These rules impose various restrictions on the use of the marks.
The FDD also lists specific registered trademarks containing "Gold Star". These include the trademark "GOLD STAR" registered on March 5, 1996, with registration number 1,960,628, and a renewal due March 5, 2026. Another registered trademark is "GOLD STAR GRILL" registered on May 30, 2006, with registration number 3,099,303, and a renewal due May 30, 2026.
Prospective franchisees should carefully review Exhibit A to the Franchise Agreement to understand the full scope of marks they are licensed to use. They should also familiarize themselves with the restrictions on mark usage outlined in the Franchise Agreement and the Gold Star manual. Understanding these details is crucial for ensuring compliance and avoiding potential legal issues related to trademark infringement.