Does Anago have copyright registration for the Anago Manuals?
Anago Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Although we have not filed an application for copyright registration for the Anago Manuals, we and ACS claim copyrights in the Anago Manuals and the information contained in the Anago Manuals. The Anago Manuals contain trade secrets and are our Proprietary Property. You must treat the Anago Manuals and any other manuals created by us and/or ACS as confidential and you must use all reasonable efforts to keep this information secret and confidential. You must also promptly tell us if you learn about any unauthorized use of this proprietary information. Neither we, nor ACS are required to take any action but will respond to this information as we think appropriate.
There are currently no effective determinations of the United States Copyright Office or any court regarding any of our copyrights, nor are there any currently effective agreements between us and third parties pertaining to our copyrights that will or may significantly limit your use of our copyrighted materials. Upon any infringement of, or challenge to, your use of any copyrighted work, you are obligated to immediately notify us and we have sole discretion to take any action as we deem appropriate.
If we deem it advisable to modify or discontinue use of any copyrighted work and/or use one or more new or derivative copyrighted work, you are obligated to do so.
We are not required by the Subfranchise Rights Agreement to defend you against any infringement, unfair competition or other claim respecting your use of any copyrighted work.
There are no infringing uses actually known to us that could materially affect your use of the copyrights.
You are prohibited from copying the Anago Manuals for distribution to any person, entity or established business group outside the System.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 41–43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Anago's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, while Anago has not filed for copyright registration for the Anago Manuals, both Anago and ACS claim copyrights to the manuals and the information within them. Anago considers the manuals to contain trade secrets and proprietary property. Therefore, franchisees must treat the manuals as confidential and protect the information.
As an Anago franchisee, you must inform Anago of any unauthorized use of the proprietary information contained within the manuals. While neither Anago nor ACS is required to take action, they will respond as they deem appropriate. Franchisees are obligated to notify Anago immediately of any copyright infringement or challenges to their use of copyrighted work, and Anago has sole discretion to take action. If Anago decides to modify or discontinue the use of any copyrighted work, franchisees must comply.
Anago's Subfranchise Rights Agreement does not require Anago to defend franchisees against claims of infringement, unfair competition, or other claims related to the use of copyrighted work. Franchisees are prohibited from copying the Anago Manuals for distribution outside the Anago system. The Anago Manuals contain confidential and proprietary information and are considered trade secrets of Anago and ACS.
During the Anago Initial Training Program, in the Anago Manuals, and through ongoing guidance, Anago may disclose confidential information necessary for operating the Anago Subfranchise Rights Business. Franchisees are prohibited from disclosing or using any confidential information, trade secrets, or know-how related to the franchise system's operations, including client, product, sales, pricing, and merchandising information. Access to the Anago Manuals and confidential information is restricted to employees and Unit Franchisees who require it for business operations, and all such individuals must sign a confidentiality agreement that benefits Anago.