What copyrighted items can a franchisee use while operating a 7 Brew store?
7_Brew Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
No patents or patent applications are material to the franchise. We and our affiliates claim copyrights in the Operations Manual (containing our trade secrets and Confidential Information), Store blueprints and other design features, signage, advertising and marketing materials, our System Website, and similar items used in developing and operating 7 BREW Stores. We and our affiliates have not registered these copyrights with the United States Copyright Office but currently need not do so to protect them. You may use copyrighted items only as we specify while operating your Store (and must stop using them at our direction). You have no other rights under the Franchise Agreement with respect to a copyrighted item if we require you to modify or discontinue using the subject matter covered by the copyright.
There currently are no effective adverse material determinations of the USPTO, the United States Copyright Office, or any court regarding the copyrighted materials. The license agreement described in Item 13 also covers copyrights and other intellectual property.
We do not actually know of any infringing uses of our copyrights that could materially affect your using them in any state. We need not protect or defend copyrights, although we intend to do so if in the system's best interests. We have the right to control any action we choose to bring, even if you voluntarily bring the matter to our attention. You must follow any instructions we give you. We need not participate in your defense of and/or indemnify you for damages or expenses incurred in a copyright proceeding.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 51–52)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to 7 Brew's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, 7 Brew and its affiliates claim copyrights to several items that are material to the franchise. These include the Operations Manual (containing trade secrets and Confidential Information), Store blueprints and other design features, signage, advertising and marketing materials, and the System Website. While these copyrights have not been registered with the United States Copyright Office, 7 Brew states that registration is not currently necessary for protection.
As a franchisee, you are permitted to use these copyrighted items, but only as specified by 7 Brew while operating your store. This usage is subject to 7 Brew's direction, meaning you must cease using any copyrighted item if instructed to do so. The franchise agreement does not grant any additional rights regarding copyrighted items if 7 Brew requires modifications or discontinuation of their use.
7 Brew retains control over any legal actions related to copyright infringement, even if you bring the matter to their attention. Franchisees are obligated to follow any instructions given by 7 Brew in such situations. It is important to note that 7 Brew is not obligated to participate in your defense or indemnify you for damages or expenses incurred in a copyright proceeding. This means that if a franchisee is accused of copyright infringement related to their 7 Brew store, they may be responsible for their own legal defense and any associated costs.