Does Better Blend own rights in, or licenses to, any patents material to the franchise?
Better_Blend Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We do not own rights in, or licenses to, patents that are material to the franchise. We do not have any pending patent applications.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 31–32)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Better Blend's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Better Blend does not own rights in, or licenses to, any patents that are material to the franchise. Additionally, Better Blend does not have any pending patent applications. This means that the core concepts and methods of the Better Blend franchise are not protected by patents.
While Better Blend does not have patents, it does rely on copyright protection for its original works, including the Brand Standards Manual and other sales, training, and management materials. Franchisees are allowed to use these copyrighted materials during the franchise term specifically for their Better Blend business. Better Blend does not have any registered copyrights, pending copyright applications, or effective determinations from the U.S. Copyright Office regarding copyrights.
Better Blend is not obligated to protect any of its copyrights or defend franchisees against claims arising from their use of copyrighted items. Better Blend retains control over any copyright litigation and may require franchisees to modify or discontinue using material covered by their copyrights, at the franchisee's expense. This could potentially create additional costs for the franchisee if changes are required.