Does Annex Brands loan me the Manuals and other materials, or are they mine to keep?

According to Annex Brands's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the manuals and other materials are provided on loan. Specifically, Annex Brands will provide its Manuals and any other catalogs and materials that it may select, on loan to the franchisee. This means that while franchisees will have access to these resources, they do not own them outright and are likely required to return them should the franchise agreement terminate.

This arrangement is fairly common in franchising, as it allows Annex Brands to maintain control over its proprietary information and ensure consistency across all franchise locations. By retaining ownership of the manuals, Annex Brands can update them as needed and prevent outdated or inaccurate information from being used.

For a prospective Annex Brands franchisee, this implies that they must diligently manage and protect the loaned materials. They should also be aware of the terms and conditions regarding the use and return of these materials as outlined in the franchise agreement. It would be prudent to clarify with Annex Brands the specific procedures for handling and updating the manuals, as well as the consequences for any loss or damage to the materials.