Arby’s Trademarks
Please note: Gerben IP does not represent Arby’s. This page is provided for informational purposes and reflects information available in public USPTO records.
September 21, 2023
Arby’s Inc. is the largest restaurant franchise globally, selling roast beef sandwiches. The company was in control of 73% of the market in 1997. According to the company’s records, it is one of the top ten restaurant chains in the U.S., with global sales of about $2.1 billion.
The company’s current success can be attributed to a change in ownership after a sluggish performance in the ’80s and ’90s. Let’s look into the company’s history, products, and trademarks.
Arby’s History
Arby’s was founded on July 23, 1964, in Boardman, Ohio. Brothers, Forrest and Leroy Raffel, who first owned a business selling restaurant equipment, started the company after they believed they observed a market opportunity for a fast-food franchise that sold more than just hamburgers.
Initially, the brothers wanted to call their new company “Big Tex,” but realized that an Akron business was already using the name. They used the initials R.B. (for Raffel Brothers) to create the name Arby’s, even though many consumers think that the R.B. stands for roast beef.
Initially, Arby’s served only roast beef sandwiches, soft drinks, and potato chips. It sold its roast beef sandwiches for $0.69 when other hamburger stores were charging $0.15. The restaurant’s interior was also deliberately designed to target a more upscale clientele. The company’s famous Arby’s “hat” sign was created by Peskin Sign Co.
One year later, the first franchisee opened a restaurant in Akron, Ohio.
The 1970s marked a remarkable decade of expansion with Arby’s opening new stores at a rate of 50 per year. The company also expanded its menu selection, adding Jamocha Shakes, Beef ‘n Cheddar, Curly Fries, chicken sandwiches, and two signature sauces, Horsey Sauce and Arby’s Sauce.
In 1985, Arby’s would add baked potatoes to its menu, and in 1988, it introduced Curl-Q Fries, which would later be rebranded as Curly Fries. In 1991, Arby’s became the first fast-food restaurant to offer a complete “lite” menu. The “lite” menus consisted of several sandwiches and salads, all of which were 94% fat-free and under 300 calories.
The Raffel Brothers attempted to transition Arby’s from a family-owned business into a public company in 1970, but the IPO failed after the stock market fell. In 1976, Royal Crown Cola Company bought the company from the family for $18 million. Leroy Raffel remained CEO until his retirement three years later.
Arby’s was then obtained by Victor Posner in 1984, through a hostile takeover of Royal Crown Cola Company, Arby’s parent company. The business would falter for nine years, until Don Pierce, a former PepsiCo executive, was brought in to bring the restaurant back to popularity.
Pierce, with additional funding, tried to introduce a new “Roast Town” concept in 1996, but it failed to take off. Pierce and his team left the company. Arby’s parent company then sold it to the RTM Restaurant Group, one of Arby’s existing franchises, for $71 million.
In 2002, Triarc, a holding company, acquired Sybra Inc., the company’s second-largest franchisee. Triarc would also purchase RTM Restaurant Group on July 25, 2005.
On June 13, 2011, most of Arby’s chain was sold to Roark Capital Group. Wendy’s/Arby’s Group Inc., the company which owned Arby’s at the time, maintained an 18.5% stake.
Arby’s Products
Even though they are known for their roast beef sandwiches, Arby’s also sells deli-style sandwiches called Market Fresh Sandwiches. The company’s original lineup of sandwiches includes Roast Beef and Swiss, Roast Ham and Swiss, Roast Turkey and Swiss, and Roast Chicken Caesar.
All Market Fresh Sandwiches, except for Chicken Caesar, come with standard toppings of mayonnaise, spicy brown honey mustard, green leaf lettuce, red onion rings, sliced Swiss cheese, and tomato slices. Roast Turkey Ranch and Bacon and the Ultimate BLT are additions to the Market Fresh lineup.
Arby’s introduced Market Fresh Five-Star Club for a limited time in 2003. It was served on Harvest White Bread.
The menu expanded again in 2003, to include other styles of specialty sandwiches served on baguettes. These sandwiches include the French Dip’ n Swiss, Italian Beef ‘n Provolone, Pot Roast Sandwiches, and Philly Beef Supreme.
In 2005, the company also added corned beef and turkey Reuben sandwiches to its menu.
After signing a deal with the restaurant group in 2006, Pepsi became Arby’s exclusive soft drink provider. All franchises that had deals with Coca-Cola, switched to Pepsi-Cola after their current contracts expired.
Arby’s Trademarks
Arby’s has obtained or sought federal registration for over 45 trademarks. These include “HORSEY SAUCE,” “JALAPEÑO BITES,” “MARKET FRESH,” “FANCY AF,” and “A KIDS!”
Arby’s obtained a federal trademark registration for “HORSEY SAUCE” on July02,1968, and uses the trademark for meat sauce sold only in their carry-out restaurants.
In June 1999, Arby’s obtained a federal trademark registration for “JALAPEÑO BITES.” The company uses the trademark for its breaded and fried jalapeño pepper appetizer.
Arby’s also obtained federal trademark registration for “MARKET FRESH” on November 27, 2007. The company uses the trademark for its vegetable and fruit salads, as well as sandwiches consumed on and off the premises.
Please note: While we make every effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date, we cannot be held responsible for its accuracy or completeness. If you have any questions regarding a specific entity in Gerben's Trademark Library®, please contact us and we will work with you to provide the information you need.
- MARKET FRESH
- ARBY'S
- ARBY'S
- A KIDS!
- YOU HAVE THE MEATS
- A
- YOU HAVE THE MEATS
- FANCY_AF
- MEATOBERFEST
- SAUCY_AF
- Logo #1
- IT'S MEATS SEASON
- FAST CRAFTED
- MEGA MEAT STACKS
- Logo #2
- Logo #3
- WE HAVE THE MEATS
- MEATCRAFT
- ARBY'S
- ARBY'S
- ARBY'S
- MARKET FRESH
- ARBY'S
- T.J. CINNAMONS CINNAMON TWIST
- ARBY'S ROAST BEEF SANDWICH IS DELICIOUS
- ARBY'S ROAST BEEF SANDWICH IS DELICIOUS
- ARBY'S MARKET FRESH
- MARKET FRESH
- ARBY'S MARKET FRESH
- SPICY THREE PEPPER
- DREAM BIG. WORK HARD. GET IT DONE. PLAY FAIR. HAVE FUN. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
- BRONCO BERRY SAUCE
- JALAPENO BITES
- Logo #4
- HOME OF THE ORIGINAL T.J. CINNAMONS SINCE 1984 GOURMET CINNAMON ROLL
- ARBY-Q
- THE ORIGINAL GOURMET CINNAMON ROLL
- T.J. CINNAMONS
- T.J. CINNAMONS
- ARBY'S
- ARBY'S
- ARBY-Q
- ARBY'S
- ARBY'S SAUCE
- HORSEY SAUCE
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IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G & S Downloadable virtual goods in the nature of image files and computer programs featuring food and beverage products for use in online virtual worlds; downloadable multimedia files containing artwork, text, audio, and video files in the field of food and beverage products, restaurants, and content promoting restaurant services authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs); downloadable electronic data files featuring loyalty and reward cards for redeeming restaurant menu items; downloadable computer software, namely, software for creating non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for facilitating commercial transactions; downloadable software that allows users to access restaurant menus, locate restaurants, place food and beverage orders, pay for orders, and collect rewards.
IC 035. US 100 101 102. G & S Online retail store services featuring virtual goods, namely, food and beverages for use in online virtual worlds; Online digital retail store services featuring downloadable and non-downloadable virtual goods in the nature of food items and beverages for use in online virtual worlds; retail store services featuring virtual goods, namely, access tokens for use in online virtual worlds; conducting an incentive reward program to promote the sale of restaurant services and food and beverage products whereby individuals can earn real world and virtual rewards; administration of a consumer rewards program to promote the sale of restaurant services and food and beverage products featuring virtual rewards that can be redeemed in the real or virtual world; Providing an online virtual incentive awards program designed to reward program participants who interact with a restaurant's Internet-based content to promote a restaurant's goods and services to earn reward points and virtual currency which may be used to purchase food and beverages.
IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S Entertainment services, namely, providing online, non-downloadable, virtual restaurants for use in virtual environments created for entertainment purposes; entertainment services, namely, providing online, non-downloadable virtual food items and beverages for use in virtual environments created for entertainment purposes; Entertainment services, namely, providing an online virtual incentive awards program designed to reward program participants who engage in virtual reality video games, interact in virtual restaurant environments for entertainment purposes to earn reward points and virtual currency which may be used to purchase food and beverages; Entertainment services, namely, providing online, non-downloadable virtual gifts and rewards in the nature of food, beverages, clothing, and bags for use in virtual environments created for entertainment purposes; Entertainment services, namely, arranging and conducting of online and virtual concerts and other virtual special events for social entertainment purposes; Entertainment services, namely, providing an online non-downloadable virtual restaurant offering delivery of virtual food and beverage products for use in virtual environments created for entertainment purposes; entertainment services, namely, providing an online nondownloadable virtual restaurant featuring virtual food and beverages for use in virtual environments created for entertainment purposes.
IC 042. US 100 101. G & S Providing temporary use of online, non-downloadable software that gives users the ability to upload, modify and share virtual reality content, augmented reality content, mixed reality content, information, experiences and data; providing temporary use of online, non-downloadable software for offering virtual food and beverage products for use in virtual environments; providing online, non-downloadable software for providing multimedia files, namely, artwork, text, audio, and video files authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs); providing online, non-downloadable computer software for creating non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for facilitating commercial transactions; providing temporary use of online, non-downloadable software that allows users to access restaurant menus, locate restaurants, place food and beverage orders, pay for orders, and collect rewards.
IC 043. US 100 101. G & S Preparation and provision of food and beverages; food preparation services for delivery or pick-up; restaurants featuring home delivery; Virtual restaurant, namely, restaurant featuring home delivery of food and beverage products; operating a virtual restaurant featuring actual goods, namely, restaurant services in the nature of providing food and drink via orders placed online.
IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G & S Downloadable virtual goods in the nature of image files and computer programs featuring food and beverage products for use in online virtual worlds; downloadable multimedia files containing artwork, text, audio, and video files in the field of food and beverage products, restaurants, and content promoting restaurant services authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs); downloadable electronic data files featuring loyalty and reward cards for redeeming restaurant menu items; downloadable computer software, namely, software for creating non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for facilitating commercial transactions; downloadable software that allows users to access restaurant menus, locate restaurants, place food and beverage orders, pay for orders, and collect rewards.
IC 035. US 100 101 102. G & S Online retail store services featuring virtual goods, namely, food and beverages for use in online virtual worlds; Online digital retail store services featuring downloadable and non-downloadable virtual goods in the nature of food items and beverages for use in online virtual worlds; retail store services featuring virtual goods, namely, access tokens for use in online virtual worlds; conducting an incentive reward program to promote the sale of restaurant services and food and beverage products whereby individuals can earn real world and virtual rewards; administration of a consumer rewards program to promote the sale of restaurant services and food and beverage products featuring virtual rewards that can be redeemed in the real or virtual world; Providing an online virtual incentive awards program designed to reward program participants who interact with a restaurant's Internet-based content to promote a restaurant's goods and services to earn reward points and virtual currency which may be used to purchase food and beverages.
IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S Entertainment services, namely, providing online, non-downloadable, virtual restaurants for use in virtual environments created for entertainment purposes; entertainment services, namely, providing online, non-downloadable virtual food items and beverages for use in virtual environments created for entertainment purposes; Entertainment services, namely, providing an online virtual incentive awards program designed to reward program participants who engage in virtual reality video games, interact in virtual restaurant environments for entertainment purposes to earn reward points and virtual currency which may be used to purchase food and beverages; Entertainment services, namely, providing online, non-downloadable virtual gifts and rewards in the nature of food, beverages, clothing, and bags for use in virtual environments created for entertainment purposes; Entertainment services, namely, arranging and conducting of online and virtual concerts and other virtual special events for social entertainment purposes; Entertainment services, namely, providing an online non-downloadable virtual restaurant offering delivery of virtual food and beverage products for use in virtual environments created for entertainment purposes; entertainment services, namely, providing an online nondownloadable virtual restaurant featuring virtual food and beverages for use in virtual environments created for entertainment purposes.
IC 042. US 100 101. G & S Providing temporary use of online, non-downloadable software that gives users the ability to upload, modify and share virtual reality content, augmented reality content, mixed reality content, information, experiences and data; providing temporary use of online, non-downloadable software for purchasing, acquiring, displaying, and exchanging virtual food and beverage products for use in virtual environments; providing online, non-downloadable software for purchasing, acquiring, displaying, and exchanging multimedia files, namely, artwork, text, audio, and video files authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs); providing online, non-downloadable computer software for creating non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for facilitating commercial transactions; providing temporary use of online, non-downloadable software that allows users to access restaurant menus, locate restaurants, place food and beverage orders, pay for orders, and collect rewards.
IC 043. US 100 101. G & S Preparation and provision of food and beverages; food preparation services for delivery or pick-up; restaurants featuring home delivery; Virtual restaurant, namely, restaurant featuring home delivery of food and beverage products; operating a virtual restaurant featuring actual goods, namely, restaurant services in the nature of providing food and drink via orders placed online.
IC 029. US 046. G & S Children's combination meals consisting primarily of a meat-based entrée, a selection of potato fries or applesauce, and a drink for consumption on or off premises.
IC 043. US 100 101. G & S Restaurant services.
IC 030. US 046. G & S Sandwiches. FIRST USE: 20211018. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20211018.
IC 043. US 100 101. G & S Restaurant services. FIRST USE: 20150000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20150000.
IC 043. US 100 101. G & S Restaurant services.
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IC 043. US 100 101. G & S Restaurant services. FIRST USE: 20170720. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20170720.
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IC 030. US 046. G & S Sandwiches for consumption on and off the premises. FIRST USE: 20140721. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20140721.
IC 043. US 100 101. G & S Restaurant services. FIRST USE: 20140801. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20140801.
IC 043. US 100 101. G & S Restaurant services. FIRST USE: 20140801. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20140801.
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IC 029. US 046. G & S French fries and potato cakes and milk shakes for consumption on or off the premises. FIRST USE: 20131027. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20131027.
IC 030. US 046. G & S Sandwiches, fruit turnovers, coffee, and tea for consumption on or off the premises. FIRST USE: 20131027. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20131027.
IC 032. US 045 046 048. G & S Soft drinks for consumption on or off the premises. FIRST USE: 20131027. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20131027.
IC 043. US 100 101. G & S Restaurant services. FIRST USE: 20131027. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20131027.
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IC 029. US 046. G & S Vegetable and fruit salads for the consumption on or off the premises. FIRST USE: 20000600. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20000600.
IC 030. US 046. G & S Sandwiches for the consumption on or off the premises. FIRST USE: 19971000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19971000.
IC 043. US 100 101. G & S RESTAURANT AND CARRY OUT SERVICES. FIRST USE: 20030100. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20030100.
IC 030. US 046. G & S [ Bakery goods for consumption on or off the premises ]. FIRST USE: 20021000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20021000.
IC 043. US 100 101. G & S Restaurant services. FIRST USE: 20021000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20021000.
IC 043. US 100 101. G & S Restaurant services. FIRST USE: 20091013. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20091013.
IC 043. US 100 101. G & S Restaurant services. FIRST USE: 20091013. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20091013.
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IC 042. US 100 101. G & S RESTAURANT SERVICES. FIRST USE: 19971000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19971000.
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IC 036. US 100 101 102. G & S Charitable fund raising services. FIRST USE: 19970601. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19970601.
IC 030. US 046. G & S Sauce. FIRST USE: 19971200. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19971200.
IC 030. US 046. G & S food appetizer product, namely a breaded and fried jalapeno pepper. FIRST USE: 19971201. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19971201.
IC 042. US 100 101. G & S restaurant and carry-out restaurant services. FIRST USE: 19981028. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19981028.
IC 030. US 046. G & S bakery goods. FIRST USE: 19941100. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19941100.
IC 042. US 100 101. G & S restaurant and bakery services. FIRST USE: 19941100. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19941100.
IC 030. US 046. G & S sandwiches and food sauces for the consumption on or off the premises. FIRST USE: 19780202. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19780202.
IC 030. US 046. G & S CINNAMON ROLLS AND OTHER BAKERY GOODS FOR CONSUMPTION ON OR OFF THE PREMISES. FIRST USE: 19830904. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19830904.
IC 042. US 100 101. G & S BAKERY STORE AND RESTAURANT SERVICES. FIRST USE: 19840509. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19840509.
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IC 030. US 046. G & S READY TO EAT ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES, ROAST BEEF AND CHEESE SANDWICHES, HOT HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICHES, TURKEY SANDWICHES, [ HOT DOG SANDWICHES, HAMBURGER SANDWICHES, ] MILK SHAKES, FRUIT TURNOVERS, COFFEE,TEA AND HOT CHOCOLATE. FIRST USE: 19640700. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19640700.
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IC . US 046. G & S MEAT SAUCE, SOLD ONLY IN APPLICANT'S CARRY-OUT RESTAURANTS. FIRST USE: 19640723. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19640723.