According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Aplus does not own any patents that are material to the franchise, nor do they have any pending patent applications. However, Aplus does claim copyright protection and proprietary rights in the original materials used in their system. These copyrighted works include recipes, procedures, menus, manuals, bulletins, correspondence and communications with franchisees, training, advertising and promotional materials, website content and design, and other written materials regarding the operation of Aplus or Sunoco franchised businesses.

This means that while franchisees don't need to worry about patent-related restrictions, they must adhere to Aplus's copyright and proprietary rights. Franchisees are not allowed to use any of Aplus's copyrighted works on the Internet without written permission. This includes displaying copyrighted works on commercial websites, gaming websites, and social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, regardless of whether the platform is used for commercial gain.

It is important for prospective franchisees to understand these restrictions to avoid potential copyright infringement issues. Franchisees should seek written permission from Aplus before using any of the copyrighted materials online. This ensures compliance with the franchise agreement and protects both the franchisee and Aplus from legal complications.