Does Amorino claim copyright protection of its plans and designs?
Amorino Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ding pending in the United States Patent Office or any court.
We claim copyright protection of our plans and designs, the Manual, other manuals and procedures, written materials, software information system features and source code, curriculums, and photos and videos and related materials. The foregoing items may not have been registered with the United States Registrar of Copyrights; however, the foregoing items are considered proprietary and confidential, are considered our property, and may be used by you only as provided in the franchise agreement.
There currently are no effective determinations of the Copyright Office (Library of Congress) or any court regarding any of the copyrighted materials. There are no agreements in effect which significantly limit our right to use or license the copyrighted materials. Finally, there are no infringing uses or patent or copyright infringement actually known to us which could materially affect you or your use of the copyrighted materials in any state.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 52–54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Amorino's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Amorino asserts copyright protection over its plans and designs. This extends to the franchise's operational manual, other procedural manuals, written materials, software information system features and source code, curriculums, and photos and videos. While these items may not be formally registered with the United States Registrar of Copyrights, Amorino considers them proprietary and confidential. Franchisees are permitted to use these materials only as outlined in the franchise agreement.
This means that a prospective Amorino franchisee will be granted a limited license to use Amorino's copyrighted materials, but they will not own the rights to these materials. They must adhere to the guidelines set forth in the franchise agreement regarding the use of these materials. Any unauthorized use or distribution of these materials could result in legal action from Amorino.
The FDD also states that if a franchisee develops any new concept, process, or improvement related to the Amorino store's operation or promotion, they must promptly notify Amorino and provide all necessary related information without compensation. Any such development becomes Amorino's sole property, and Amorino owns all related patents, patent applications, and other intellectual property rights. This is a fairly standard clause in franchise agreements, as franchisors want to maintain control over their brand and system standards. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider this clause and how it might affect their ability to innovate within their Amorino franchise.