Does Aw know of any infringing uses that could materially affect a franchisee's use of the copyrighted materials?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
There are currently no effective determinations of the Copyright Office (Library of Congress) or any court regarding any of the copyrighted materials. There are no agreements currently in effect which significantly limit our right to use or license the use of any copyrighted materials. There are no infringing uses actually known to us which could materially affect a franchisee's use of the copyrighted materials in any state. We are not required by any agreement to protect or defend copyrights, trade secrets or confidential information, although we intend to take whatever action, we deem necessary to protect the best interests of Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant System.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD page 32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Aw states that there are no infringing uses actually known to them which could materially affect a franchisee's use of the copyrighted materials in any state. Aw also claims copyrights in the Operations Manual and other written materials containing proprietary information regarding the System and may seek copyright registrations as they deem appropriate.
Aw does not have any effective determinations from the Copyright Office or any court regarding any of the copyrighted materials. Additionally, there are no agreements that significantly limit Aw's right to use or license the use of any copyrighted materials. However, Aw is not required by any agreement to protect or defend copyrights, trade secrets or confidential information, although they intend to take whatever action they deem necessary to protect the best interests of the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant System.
It is important to note that while Aw does not know of any infringing uses, they also do not have a legal obligation to protect or defend copyrights. This means that if a franchisee encounters an issue with copyrighted material, Aw may not be required to take action. A prospective franchisee should consider this when evaluating the risks and benefits of investing in an Aw franchise.