Was a copyright registered for Annex Brands' proprietary software, ABConnect, and if so, what is the registration number?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
On July 24, 2019, a copyright for our proprietary software, ABConnect, was registered with the United States Copyright Office, Library of Congress (Registration No. TX0008786471).
Various other marketing, sales, training, management and advertising materials that we have created are and will be protected under the U.S. Copyright Act, whether or not registrations have been obtained. You may use these copyrighted materials during the term of the franchise, in a manner consistent with our ownership rights, solely for the purpose of operating and promoting your retail center. On December 18, 2007, our affiliate, PMCA, registered a copyright for advertising material titled "We Expertly Handle Every Detail," which was first published on September 22, 2003 (registration no. VA 1-647-047). The duration of the copyright is 95 years from the date of first publication, without further renewal rights.
There are no currently effective determinations of the U.S. Copyright Office (Library of Congress) or any court, nor are there any pending infringement, opposition or cancellation proceedings or material litigation, involving the copyrighted materials that are relevant to their use by our franchisees.
There are no agreements currently in effect that significantly limit our right to use or license the use of our copyrighted materials in any manner material to the franchise. We do not know of any infringing uses of our copyrighted materials that could materially affect your use of those materials, and all of the provisions in Item 13 under the heading "Protection of Rights" also apply to copyrighted materials; provided, however, that you must modify or discontinue use of any subject matter covered by a copyright if directed by us.
Source: Item 14 — Patents, Copyrights, and Proprietary Information (FDD pages 69–70)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company has a registered copyright for its proprietary software, ABConnect. The copyright was registered with the United States Copyright Office, Library of Congress on July 24, 2019, and the registration number is TX0008786471. This registration provides Annex Brands with legal protection for its software.
As an Annex Brands franchisee, you are authorized to use this copyrighted software during the term of your franchise. However, your use must be consistent with Annex Brands' ownership rights and solely for the purpose of operating and promoting your retail center. This means you cannot reproduce, distribute, or modify the software without permission from Annex Brands.
Annex Brands also states that various other marketing, sales, training, management, and advertising materials are protected under the U.S. Copyright Act, regardless of whether registrations have been obtained. Franchisees can use these copyrighted materials during the franchise term, aligning with Annex Brands' ownership rights, to operate and promote their retail center. Annex Brands retains the right to direct franchisees to modify or discontinue the use of any material covered by copyright.