To whom must franchisees promptly disclose all ideas, concepts, techniques, or materials concerning an All Team Agency?
All_Team Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
All ideas, concepts, techniques, innovations, developments, improvements, suggestions or materials concerning the Agency, whether or not protectable intellectual property and whether created by or for FRANCHISEE or its owners, affiliates, employees or representatives, must be promptly disclosed to ATFC and will be deemed to be ATFC's sole and exclusive property, part of the System and works made-for-hire for ATFC.
To the extent any such item does not qualify as a "work madefor-hire" for ATFC, FRANCHISEE must assign, or must require its owners, affiliates, employees or representatives to assign, its or their ownership interest of such item to ATFC.
FRANCHISEE agree to take, or direct FRANCHISEE's owners, affiliates, employees or representatives to take, whatever action required by ATFC to document such assignment or to assist ATFC in obtaining any and all intellectual property rights in such item.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD page 27)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Team's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must promptly disclose all ideas, concepts, techniques, innovations, developments, improvements, suggestions, or materials concerning the All Team Agency to All Team Franchise Corporation (ATFC). This includes anything related to the Agency, whether or not it is protectable intellectual property. This obligation extends to ideas created by or for the franchisee, their owners, affiliates, employees, or representatives.
This requirement ensures that All Team maintains control and ownership over any innovations or improvements to the All Team system. By mandating disclosure and assigning ownership to ATFC, the franchise aims to standardize operations and protect its intellectual property. The FDD specifies that these disclosed items will be deemed ATFC's sole and exclusive property, part of the All Team system, and considered works made-for-hire for ATFC.
Furthermore, if any item does not qualify as a "work made-for-hire," the franchisee must assign their ownership interest to ATFC. The franchisee is also obligated to ensure that their owners, affiliates, employees, or representatives take any action required by ATFC to document the assignment or assist ATFC in obtaining intellectual property rights. This may include signing assignment documents or other related paperwork. This comprehensive approach ensures that All Team has the necessary legal rights to protect and utilize any innovations developed within its franchise network.