Brian Hall - February 10, 2017 - Trademark Basics, Trademark Law
Put simply, a trademark is a necessary building block to any franchise. We have represented franchisors and franchisees across a whole range of trademark matters. We have helped franchisors select, clear, apply for, register and enforce their trademark. We have been there when a franchisor chooses to, or is forced to, rebrand its trademark. There are numerous trademark and brand protection strategies for franchisors, though the following should absolutely be considered:
Ultimately, trademarks are as important to a franchise as the underlying good or service. The trademark is the basis for the license to use the the franchised items. If you start knowing you wish to operate as a franchise, you can give the trademark process the attention it deserves immediately. However, knowing that some businesses start without the idea of franchising only to actually become a franchisor, any business should ensure their trademark rights are in order.