Does Beem Light Sauna have an obligation to defend franchisees against copyright infringement claims?
Beem_Light_Sauna Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We have no obligation to defend or otherwise protect you against any claims involving any copyright, including without limitation any copyright infringement claim, or to indemnify you for any losses you may incur as a result of our copyrights infringing the rights of any other copyright owner. If so requested by us, you will discontinue the use of the subject matter covered by any copyright used in connection with the Studio.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 52–53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Beem Light Sauna Franchise Disclosure Document, Beem Light Sauna has no obligation to defend or protect franchisees against copyright infringement claims. The FDD states that Beem Light Sauna does not have to defend franchisees from copyright claims, or indemnify them for losses if Beem Light Sauna's copyrights infringe on another owner's rights.
However, franchisees must notify Beem Light Sauna in writing if they suspect any copyright infringement of Beem Light Sauna's or its affiliates' copyrights. Beem Light Sauna and its affiliates retain the exclusive rights to bring an action for infringement. They also retain any recovered amounts from such actions and control any infringement proceedings, whether brought by or against Beem Light Sauna or the franchisee.
Furthermore, if requested by Beem Light Sauna, franchisees must discontinue using any subject matter covered by a copyright used in connection with their Studio. This means a franchisee may have to change materials or processes if Beem Light Sauna faces copyright issues. This could potentially lead to additional costs for the franchisee to replace the infringing materials.