Does Beehive Homes have a copyright to the Bee Hive Homes Policy and Procedures Manual?
Beehive_Homes Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
WE own the common law copyright to the Bee Hive Homes Policy and Procedures Manual which may be used by YOU during the term of the Franchise Agreement, but which must be returned to US upon termination of the franchise. WE have decided not to register the manual with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office so that changes can be made as needed without incurring the additional time delays and legal fees required by re-filing with the Patent Office for registered copyright protection.
The Franchise Agreement provides that YOU acknowledge that, YOUR entire knowledge of Bee Hive Homes system, services, all proprietary formulations, technology, know-how and the operation of a Home is derived from information disclosed to YOU by US pursuant to the Franchise Agreement and that the information is proprietary and confidential and a trade secret of OURS.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 23–24)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Beehive Homes' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Beehive Homes owns the common law copyright to the Bee Hive Homes Policy and Procedures Manual. As a franchisee, you are allowed to use this manual during the term of your Franchise Agreement. However, upon termination of the franchise agreement, you must return the manual to Beehive Homes.
Beehive Homes has chosen not to register the manual with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This decision allows them to make changes to the manual as needed without incurring the time delays and legal fees associated with re-filing for registered copyright protection.
The Franchise Agreement stipulates that your knowledge of the Beehive Homes system, services, proprietary formulations, technology, know-how, and the operation of a Home is derived from information disclosed to you by Beehive Homes. This information is considered proprietary, confidential, and a trade secret of Beehive Homes. Therefore, you are obligated to adhere to security procedures, disclose the information only to employees as necessary, and maintain the confidentiality of the information both during and after the term of the Franchise Agreement.