Can the 'Brand Standards Manuals' for a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise be modified?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We will furnish you with one copy of, or electronic access to, the Brand Standards Manuals. We own the copyright in the Brand Standards Manuals and any portions in your possession or control are on loan from us and remain our property. We have the right to modify the Brand Standards Manuals at any time to reflect changes in the Brand Standards. In the event of a dispute about the contents of the Brand Standards Manuals, the master copy at our principal office takes precedence. The Brand Standards Manuals and any credentials necessary to access digital versions of the Brand Standards Manuals are part of the Confidential Information.
- 1.7. "Brand Standards Manuals" means, collectively, the materials and content we have developed relating to the establishment and operation of Franchised Businesses, consisting of one or more manuals, handbooks, and training materials regardless of format, including electronic files, video or audio recordings, and other media or otherwise communicated in writing to you, all of which we can modify, replace and supplement.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 88–312)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has the right to modify the Brand Standards Manuals at any time. The Brand Standards Manuals contain the materials and content developed by the franchisor relating to the establishment and operation of franchised businesses. These manuals may consist of one or more manuals, handbooks, and training materials in various formats, including electronic files, video or audio recordings, and other written communications.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing retains ownership of the copyright in the Brand Standards Manuals, and any copies in the franchisee's possession are considered to be on loan and remain the franchisor's property. In the event of a dispute about the contents of the Brand Standards Manuals, the master copy maintained at the franchisor's principal office will take precedence.
Since Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can modify the Brand Standards Manuals at any time, prospective franchisees should understand that the operating procedures and standards outlined in the manuals are subject to change. Franchisees are obligated to adhere to the most current version of the manuals. The franchisor will communicate changes to franchisees, and it is the franchisee's responsibility to implement those changes in their business operations.