Froyo (frozen yogurt)

“Froyo” (frozen yogurt) is a brand name that has become a generic name. Froyo machines operated in drive-ins in March 1977; Froyo was sold in supermarkets by at least October 1977. In the 1990s, the word “froyo” (the generic product is not capitalized) was listed in several books of slang.
 
There are at least 38 “froyo” trademarks, but there doesn’t appear to be a trademark with a 1970s date.
 
 
12 March 1977, The Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD), pg. 20, col. 4 ad:
HENRY’S DRIVE IN
Something NEW in Soft Ice Cream!
FROZEN FROYO
(Yogurt)
It’s Delicious!
 
13 March 1977, Hutchinson (KS) News, pg. 35, col. 2:
Frozen yogurt debuts
Frozen yogurt has come to Hutchinson.
 
The first frozen-yogurt machine is spewing out the stuff in three flavors at Hutch Drive-In restaurant, 2401 South Main.
(...)
Frozen yogurt is supposed to have half the calories of a similar-sized ice cream cone, said the owner. “Froyo (the trade name) has a tangy, tart taste. What has really surprised me is how much kids seem to like it. You don’t think of them as being crazy about yogurt.”
 
6 October 1977, Augusta (GA) Chronicle, Food Section, pg. 22, col. 3 ad:
TRY NEW
FROYO
LOW-FAT
FROZEN YOGURT
(From Mid-America Farms—ed.)
 
Google Books
Slang U.
By Pamela Munro; et al
New York, NY: Harmony Books
1990
Pg. 84:
froyo frozen yogurt | Let’s get some froyo. They’re having a two-for-one at Baskin-Robbins. [=frozen yogurt]
     
Googel Books
Lisa Birnbach’s New and Improved College Book
By Lisa Birnbach and Annette Geldzahler
New York, NY: Simon & Schuster
1992
Pg. 57:
“Fro-yo” — frozen yogurt; ...
 
Google Books
Slang & Sociability:
In-Group Language Among College Students
By Connie C. Eble
Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press
1996
Pg. 30:
... froyo (frozen yogurt) ...
   
Urban Dictionary
froyo
a common abbreviation for frozen yogurt, the popular dessert treat
I’m so down for some vanilla froyo…
by jfrieds Mar 12, 2005
 
(Trademark)
Word Mark FROYO PREMIUM FROZEN YOGURT
Goods and Services IC 030. US 046. G & S: Premium Frozen Yogurt. FIRST USE: 20080928. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20080928
Mark Drawing Code (3) DESIGN PLUS WORDS, LETTERS, AND/OR NUMBERS
Design Search Code 05.09.08 - Cherries
26.17.09 - Bands, curved; Bars, curved; Curved line(s), band(s) or bar(s); Lines, curved
Trademark Search Facility Classification Code LETTER-3-OR-MORE FROYO Combination of three or more letters as part of the mark
SHAPES-BAR-BANDS Designs with bar, bands or lines
VEG Plant life such as trees,flowers,fruits,grains,nuts,wreaths,and leaves
Serial Number 77942515
Filing Date February 23, 2010
Current Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1A
Published for Opposition August 3, 2010
Registration Number 3863281
Registration Date October 19, 2010
Owner (REGISTRANT) Jason Jan Corp CORPORATION MISSOURI 6329 Delmar Blvd. University City MISSOURI 63130
Disclaimer NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE “FROYO” AND “PREMIUM FROZEN YOGURT” APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN
Description of Mark Color is not claimed as a feature of the mark. The mark consists of two cherries on stems at the bottom left of the letter “f” in “froYo” and an inverted arch below “premium frozen yogurt.”
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE