Does 7 Brew have any patents or patent applications material to the franchise?
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.
Our Operations Manual and other materials contain our and our affiliates' Confidential Information (some of which are trade secrets under applicable law). Confidential Information includes layouts, designs, and other Plans for 7 BREW Stores; methods, formats, specifications, standards, systems, procedures, sales and marketing techniques, and knowledge and experience used in developing and operating 7 BREW Stores; marketing research and promotional, marketing, and advertising programs for 7 BREW Stores; the standards, processes, information, and technologies involved in creating, developing, operating, maintaining, and enhancing digital and other sales platforms; strategic plans, including expansion strategies and targeted
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, there are no patents or patent applications that are material to the franchise. However, 7 Brew and its affiliates do claim copyrights for various materials, including the Operations Manual, store blueprints, design features, signage, advertising and marketing materials, and the System Website. These copyrights have not been registered with the United States Copyright Office, but 7 Brew believes registration is not currently necessary for protection. Franchisees are permitted to use these copyrighted items only as specified by 7 Brew while operating their store and must discontinue use as directed.
The Franchise Agreement does not grant franchisees any additional rights to copyrighted items if 7 Brew requires modifications or discontinuation of their use. There are currently no known adverse material determinations from the USPTO, the United States Copyright Office, or any court regarding these copyrighted materials. While 7 Brew is not obligated to protect or defend these copyrights, they intend to do so if it is in the best interest of the system. 7 Brew retains control over any legal action related to copyright infringement, even if the franchisee brings the matter to their attention, and franchisees must follow 7 Brew's instructions. 7 Brew is not required to participate in the franchisee's defense or indemnify them for damages or expenses in a copyright proceeding.
Furthermore, the Operations Manual and other materials contain confidential information, including trade secrets, belonging to 7 Brew and its affiliates. This information encompasses store layouts, designs, methods, formats, specifications, systems, procedures, sales and marketing techniques, marketing research, promotional programs, standards, processes, technologies, strategic plans, and knowledge of suppliers. Franchisees must protect this confidential information and prevent its unauthorized disclosure, using non-disclosure agreements with those who have access to it. 7 Brew has the right to pre-approve these non-disclosure agreements to ensure adequate protection of confidential information and the competitiveness of 7 Brew stores. Franchisees are also required to promptly disclose any innovations related to 7 Brew stores, which become the property of 7 Brew.