Is All Team required to protect or defend its copyrights?
All_Team Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We need not protect or defend copyrights, although we intend to do so if in the system's best interest. We may control any action we choose to bring, even if you voluntarily bring the matter to our attention. We need not participate in your defense and/or indemnify you for damages or expenses in a proceeding involving a copyright.
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, All Team is not required to protect or defend its copyrights. However, All Team states that it intends to do so if it is in the best interest of the franchise system. All Team retains control over any legal action it chooses to pursue, even if a franchisee brings the matter to their attention.
This means that as an All Team franchisee, you cannot rely on All Team to take legal action against copyright infringers, even if those infringements are negatively impacting your agency. All Team maintains the right to decide whether or not to pursue such cases.
Furthermore, All Team is not obligated to participate in a franchisee's defense or provide indemnity for damages or expenses if a legal proceeding involves a copyright. Therefore, if a franchisee is accused of copyright infringement, All Team has no obligation to defend them or cover any resulting costs.
This policy is not uncommon in franchising, as franchisors often want to maintain control over their brand and legal strategy. However, it does place the risk of copyright-related legal issues primarily on the franchisee.