What is the registration number for the Annex Brands' proprietary software, ABConnect, copyright?
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 copyright for their proprietary software, ABConnect, was registered with the United States Copyright Office, Library of Congress on July 24, 2019. The registration number is TX0008786471. This registration protects Annex Brands's ownership of the software.
As a franchisee, you are allowed to use Annex Brands' copyrighted materials, including ABConnect, during the term of your franchise. However, this use must be consistent with Annex Brands' ownership rights and solely for the purpose of operating and promoting your retail center. You do not gain any ownership rights to the software or other copyrighted materials.
Annex Brands retains the right to direct you to modify or discontinue the use of any subject matter covered by a copyright. This means that if any copyright issues arise, or if Annex Brands updates its software or materials, you must comply with their instructions. This ensures that the franchise system remains compliant with copyright laws and that all franchisees are using the most current and approved materials.
Copyright protection is a standard practice in franchising, as it safeguards the franchisor's intellectual property and brand identity. Franchisees benefit from using established and protected materials, while franchisors maintain control over their brand and systems. Prospective franchisees should understand the terms of use for copyrighted materials and the franchisor's rights to make changes or updates.