Does Bambu have a copyright registration for its FRC Materials?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We do not own any patents or copyright registrations or any pending patent or copyright applications which are material to the franchise. We consider our FRC Materials and related materials, training materials, drink and food item preparation information, ingredients and cooking recipes, menus, food preparation techniques and methods, customer and loyalty member lists, our Bambū system and any program that we develop as our proprietary and confidential property. They may be used by you only as described in the Franchise Agreement. You must maintain the confidentiality of our proprietary information and adopt reasonable procedures to safeguard our written materials and prevent unauthorized disclosure of our trade secrets and proprietary information, such as requiring that you enter into a nondisclosure and noncompetition agreement with each of your employees. Although we have not obtained a copyright registration, we own the copyright in our FRC Materials, training materials, advertising materials and other works.
Source: Item 14 — Patents, Copyrights, and Proprietary Information (FDD page 42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bambu does not have a copyright registration for its FRC Materials. However, Bambu considers its FRC Materials, training materials, drink and food item preparation information, ingredients and cooking recipes, menus, food preparation techniques and methods, customer and loyalty member lists, its Bambū system and any program that it develops as its proprietary and confidential property. Bambu states that although they have not obtained a copyright registration, they own the copyright in their FRC Materials, training materials, advertising materials and other works.
Bambu retains ownership of the copyright even without a formal registration. As a franchisee, you are only allowed to use these materials as described in the Franchise Agreement and must maintain their confidentiality. This means you cannot share or reproduce the materials without permission. You may be required to have your employees sign a Nondisclosure and Noncompetition Agreement to protect Bambu's confidential information.
While Bambu owns the copyright, the lack of a formal registration could present some risks. For example, it may be more difficult for Bambu to enforce its copyright against infringers. However, Bambu clearly asserts its ownership and takes steps to protect its materials through confidentiality agreements and restrictions on use. As a franchisee, your main concern is to adhere to the usage guidelines and confidentiality requirements outlined in the franchise agreement and FRC Materials.