Who owns the intellectual property and data associated with the 7 Brew System Website?
7_Brew Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We or our designees may establish a website or series of websites (with or without restricted access) for the 7 BREW Store network: (1) to advertise, market, identify, and promote 7 BREW Stores, the products and services they offer, and/or the 7 BREW Store franchise opportunity; (2) to help us operate the 7 BREW Store network; and/or (3) for any other purposes we deem appropriate for 7 BREW Stores or otherwise (collectively, the "System Website"). The System Website need not provide you with a separate interior webpage or "micro-site" referencing your Store. We will own all intellectual property and other rights in the System Website and all information it contains, including its domain name or URL, the log of "hits" by visitors, any personal or business data visitors supply, and all information relating to the Store's customers (collectively, the "Data").
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 82–83)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to 7 Brew's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, 7 Brew owns all intellectual property and other rights associated with the System Website. This ownership extends to all information contained within the website, including the domain name or URL, visitor "hits", personal or business data supplied by visitors, and all information related to the store's customers, which is collectively referred to as "Data."
This means that as a 7 Brew franchisee, you will not have any ownership rights to the System Website or the data it generates. 7 Brew retains full control over the website's content, development, maintenance, and marketing, utilizing Brand Fund contributions for these purposes. Franchisees are only permitted to participate in the System Website while in substantial compliance with the Franchise Agreement and Brand Standards.
If a franchisee defaults on their obligations under the Franchise Agreement or Brand Standards, 7 Brew can temporarily suspend their participation in the System Website until the default is resolved. Upon expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement, the franchisee's access to and participation in the System Website will be permanently terminated. This underscores the importance of adhering to the agreement and standards to maintain access to the System Website and its potential benefits for the franchise.
Furthermore, franchisees are required to obtain prior written approval from 7 Brew before developing, maintaining, or authorizing any Digital Marketing or Social Media that mentions or describes the store or displays any Marks. This ensures that all marketing efforts align with 7 Brew's brand standards and that the franchisor maintains control over its intellectual property and brand image.