When was the application filed for the 'HCK Hot Chicken' trademark?
Hck_Hot_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Trademark | Registration/ Serial Number | Date of Registration |
|---|---|---|
| 7204470 | October 31, 2023 | |
| HCK | 7339225 | March 26, 2024 |
| HCK Hot Chicken | 97827846 | Not Registered; Pending; Applied for March 7, 2023 |
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 40–41)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hck Hot Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the application for the 'HCK Hot Chicken' trademark was filed on March 7, 2023. While the trademark is pending, it is not yet registered. This means that Hck Hot Chicken does not have all the legal benefits and rights of a federally registered trademark for its principal trademark.
This lack of federal registration could pose risks for franchisees. If Hck Hot Chicken's right to use the trademark is challenged, franchisees may be required to switch to an alternative trademark. This could lead to increased expenses for the franchisee, particularly regarding signage and marketing materials. Hck Hot Chicken will not reimburse franchisees for these expenses.
On April 3, 2025, the USPTO issued a Final Office Action questioning Hck Hot Chicken's right to register the mark because they had not submitted a specimen showing the use of the proposed mark in commerce. On April 14, 2025, Hck Hot Chicken filed a Request to Divide the application into two applications. If Hck Hot Chicken cannot resolve the Office Action, they will not be able to obtain a federal trademark registration for the mark. Prospective franchisees should monitor the status of the trademark registration and understand the potential implications if the registration is not secured.