What is the registration number for the Goldfish Swim School® trademark (standard character mark)?
Goldfish_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[Item 13: TRADEMARKS]
| Mark | Principal Or | Serial Number | Registration Number | Application Date | Registration Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplemental | |||||
| ® | Principal | 3318156 | 10/23/2007 | ||
| (design plus words, | |||||
| letters, and/or numbers) | |||||
| GOLDFISH SWIM | Principal | 3605933 | 4/14/2009 | ||
| SCHOOL® | |||||
| (standard character mark) |
[Item 13: TRADEMARKS]
| Mark | Application | Registration | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | Date | |
| ® | TMA956000 | 11/22/2016 | |
| (design plus words, letters, and/or | |||
| numbers) | |||
| GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL® | TMA956097 | 11/23/2016 | |
| (standard character mark) |
ITEM 13. TRADEMARKS
You receive the right to operate your swim school under the name, Goldfish Swim School®, which is the primary Mark used to identify our System. You may also use any other current or future Marks to operate your franchised swim school that we designate, including the logo on the front of this Disclosure Document and the service mark listed below. By "Mark," we mean any trade name, trademark, service mark or logo used to identify your business.
On August 16, 2016, we entered into a trademark co-existence agreement with Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated that limits your ability to use the trademarks "Goldfish" and
"Goldfish Swim School" in association with food or beverage products. More particularly, you cannot use or sell "Goldfish" or "Goldfish Swim School" branded food or beverage products. However, you may use and sell "Goldfish Swim School" branded bottled water so long as such use and sales take place at your franchise location.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 44–51)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Goldfish Swim School FDD, there are multiple listings for the Goldfish Swim School® trademark. One listing shows a registration number of 3605933, while another shows application number TMA956097. The document also states that Goldfish Swim School® is the primary mark used to identify their system.
It is important to note that the trademark registration provides Goldfish Swim School with legal protection and exclusive rights to use the mark in connection with their services. This protection helps to prevent others from using a similar name or logo that could confuse customers or dilute the brand's value. As a franchisee, you are granted the right to operate under this trademark, which is a significant asset.
The FDD also mentions a trademark co-existence agreement with Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated, which restricts the use of the "Goldfish" and "Goldfish Swim School" trademarks in association with food or beverage products. However, franchisees are allowed to sell "Goldfish Swim School" branded bottled water at their location. This agreement highlights the importance of adhering to the franchisor's guidelines regarding trademark usage to avoid potential legal issues.
Prospective franchisees should be aware of these trademark details and ensure they understand the scope of their rights and responsibilities regarding the use of the Goldfish Swim School® trademarks. It is also advisable to consult with an attorney to fully understand the implications of the trademark co-existence agreement and any other relevant trademark matters.