Is Chocolate Recession-Proof !?

(Source: Google Images and marketplace.issi.net. HERSHEY'S is a registered trademark of the Trademark Holder and is used here strictly as a fair use for academic and scholarship purposes).


According to the WSJ, 01.28.09, "Hershey Co's fourth-quarter profit and sales growth suggests that demand for chocolate remains strong despite the dismal economy." I could have told them that from my own personal experience, granted.....but this is Great News for Trademark Owners of Chocolate Brands and Trademarks. The undersigned's preference for Dark Chocolate, notwithstanding, consider: HERSHEYS, M&M's, SEE's, FANNIE MAY and even grocery store chain, Trader Joe's, has got its own private lable chocolate. CAVEAT: this short blog post will kindly and respectfully not torture the reader by discussing such European Chocolates like Nestle, Lindt and Cadbury.

On the other hand, premium chocolate brands, e.g., the so-called designer chocolates, may be taking a hit, with consumers apparently trading down according to the WSJ in its article dated Jan. 28, 2009 at which can be seen at the following link:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123306391902119401.html

Everyday CHOCOLATE, however, is apparently the Elvis of of sweets. So HERSHEYS and the like are reaping the rewards of cost-conscious chocolate consumers (hereinafter, CCCC).

In any event, this being a trademark blog, for those of you interested in all things chocolate should know that Chocolate is registrable in International Class #30. An example of a U.S. Federal Trademark Registration for chocolate includes:

Word Mark: HERSHEY'S

Goods and Services, IC 030. US 046. G & S: CHOCOLATE, COCOA, SWEET CHOCOLATE, MILK CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE COATINGS, CHOCOLATE LIQUORS, AND CHOCOLATE POWDER. FIRST USE: 18940101. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 18940101

Serial Number 71016827
Filing Date February 8, 1906
Current Filing Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1A
Published for Opposition April 24, 1906
Registration Number 0054041
Registration Date June 19, 1906

This is a remarkable registration. Registered in 1906 with first use since 1894! Hallelujah! Hershey's is clearly the Holy Grail of American Chocolate. That's for sure ! http://www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld/

And with that, it's time to "Exit, Stage Left" to Trader Joe's...

editor's note: After 4 oz of Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate you will be saying to yourself, "Recession, What Recession ?!"

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