How long is the patent term for the Stretch Zone Strap Attachment Apparatus design patent?
Stretch_Zone Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We own the following approved and registered patent that is material to the Franchise Business.
Design Patent - Serial Number US 10,238,525 B2 filed on September 9, 2015 and approved on March 26th, 2019 for a Strap Attachment Apparatus for a table comprising a strap attachment apparatus for a treatment table including a spanning belt formed of flexible material secured across opposite sides of said table with a pair of anchors connected at opposite ends of the spanning belt for attachment to the table. The anchors include body strap retainers that support at least one body strap. The body strap is movable on the retainers to adjust the position of the straps to fit a person on the treatment table while the anchors remain fixed to the table. The patent term is for 15 years from the date of filing.
You must use the patent in accordance with the terms of the Franchise Agreement. If we develop any other patents material to the Franchise Business, we reserve the right to license them to you subject to the terms of the Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 14 — ITEM -14 PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 60–62)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Stretch Zone's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the design patent for the Strap Attachment Apparatus has a term of 15 years from the date of filing. The patent, filed on September 9, 2015, covers a strap attachment apparatus for a treatment table, including a spanning belt and anchors with body strap retainers. This patent was approved on March 26th, 2019.
This means that Stretch Zone has exclusive rights to this specific design for 15 years from the filing date, preventing others from replicating it. As a franchisee, you are required to use this patented apparatus in accordance with the Franchise Agreement.
The FDD also states that Stretch Zone reserves the right to license any other patents material to the franchise business to franchisees, subject to the terms of the Franchise Agreement. This indicates that Stretch Zone may develop or acquire additional patents in the future, which could impact the operation of your franchise. It is important to understand the terms under which these future patents might be licensed and how they could affect your business. Prospective franchisees should inquire about any upcoming patents and how they might be integrated into the Stretch Zone system.