Rocket® Trademark Info

"ROCKET" IN REFERENCE TO YOGA INSTRUCTION IS AN INTERNATIONAL TRADEMARK IN THE U.S., UK, FRANCE AND ITALY.  Registration #: 4788149

HERE'S WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU:

In accordance with his lifetime contribution to the art, science, and philosophy of yoga, Larry Schultz pursued trademark protections so that yoga associated with his name reflects his work.  It’s Yoga, Larry’s original studio and training facility was his first mark to protect. This was done not only to protect the main studio but all of the It’s Yoga schools around the world that operated with Larry’s guidance.  As of September 21st, 2007 the name "It’s Yoga" associated with "education and training" has been registered as a trademark and is protected in the United States and Internationally in connection with teaching yoga. As of September 19th, 2013 the name “ROCKET” associated with “education and training” has been registered as a trademark and is protected in the United States and Internationally in connection with teaching “Yoga”.

Only Certified Rocket Yoga Teachers in good standing are permitted to use "Rocket Yoga" to describe their yoga programs or classes. The term “in good standing” as employed by Progressive Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga School(PAVYS) means that the certified teacher:

1. Teaches in the method set forth by Larry Schultz without changing core methodology.
2. Maintains an active state in their association via directory membership 
3. Receives continuing education from PAVYS or from an Intermediate or Advanced Rocket teacher or teachers;
4. Is mindful of the Ethical Guidelines laid out by PAVYS and has signed the certification mark/ethics agreement.

Only once they have passed the Level I assessment are they considered a Certified Rocket Yoga Teacher and only at that point can then call their classes Rocket Yoga. Inspired or teachers in training may refer to their classes as Inspired Rocket Yoga.

Attending Rocket teacher training workshops or programs does not in itself provide certification to teach Rocket Yoga or to use the name Rocket. Only by attending and passing authorized Level I assessments does one qualify for and become a Certified Rocket Yoga Teacher. Non-certified teachers may not use or advertise the terms "Rocket Yoga,” “Rocket style,“  “Rocket Inspired”, or “Rocket influenced” or similar words that could imply that they are certified or qualified to teach Rocket yoga in classes, teacher trainings, workshops, and the like. They may not use the name Rocket in any form of business communication, advertising, or for any financial gain. They may indicate that they have taken classes with Rocket Yoga teachers; while teaching they may on occasion acknowledge that a certain way of teaching is drawn from the Rocket method.

As part of observing the second Yama, Satya (truthfulness), noncertified teachers or certified teachers who are not in good standing should not lead students to believe that they are being taught by a fully Certified Rocket Yoga Teacher in good standing. Additional information regarding the appropriate use of Larry Schultz’s name is also available in the PAVYS teachers manual.  The Rocket Yoga community welcomes all teachers to participate in our Certification process. That way, they too can earn the right to say that they teach Rocket Yoga and assume the responsibilities associated with that privilege.

INFRACTIONS OF THIS TRADEMARK

There have been concerns within our community about non-certified teachers who have stated or advertised that they teach Rocket Yoga. Certified Rocket Yoga Teachers find it disappointing that others, who have not followed the certification path/years of training outlined by Guruji, should claim authority to teach a subject we hold dear.

This trademark was applied for at the request of Larry Schultz and as part of PAVYS ongoing efforts to protect the teachings of Larry Schultz and the future of Certified Rocket Yoga Teachers and to show respect for the Certification Mark, which represents years of study, practice and strict dedication to the method.

HOW CAN YOU HELP INSURE PROPER USE OF "ROCKET YOGA"?

While PAVYS is an international association, it does not have exercise regulation duties for the U.S. yoga community or abroad. In other words, PAVYS, a volunteer organization, does not wish to police the use of the term "Rocket Yoga". This trademark was obtained for the benefit of our individual teachers. If you encounter or hear about a non-certified teacher using the term "Rocket Yoga" to promote himself or herself, we are counting on you to help rectify this situation.

Most of the misuses of "Rocket Yoga" are best worked out locally. In many cases, you, as a Certified Rocket Yoga Teacher, can contact the person who is misstating their qualifications and inform them about our Certification process, the amount of work required to earn the privilege of using the Rocket name, and the name of a teacher who can help them become certified if they are interested. Informing this person that it was Larry Shultz’s request that only Certified Rocket Yoga Teachers use his mark will bolster your case.

However, if this suggestion is uncomfortable for you, please copy and paste the website or flyer indicating the violation and email to rocketvinyasa@gmail.com. Your message will be sent to the Service Mark & Certification Mark Chair, David C. Kyle, and to the Ethics Committee Chair. The Ethics Committee Chair will let you know what action is taken.

If the infraction continues in spite of these diplomatic efforts to correct it, please re-contact us at the same address and further action will be initiated.

We hope this clarifies your questions and helps you in protecting your certification and right to use the Certification Mark.