Is Bft obligated to protect or defend any copyrights for franchisees?

According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bft is not required to protect or defend any copyrights for franchisees. While Bft claims copyrights on certain forms, advertisements, promotional materials, software source code, and other confidential information, there is no agreement in effect that requires them to protect or defend these copyrights for the franchisee.

This means that if a franchisee is accused of infringing on a copyright, Bft has no obligation to defend them. The franchisee would be solely responsible for their own legal defense. This could potentially expose the franchisee to significant legal costs and liabilities.

Prospective franchisees should be aware of this lack of protection and consider obtaining their own copyright insurance or taking other measures to mitigate the risk of copyright infringement claims. It would be prudent to consult with an attorney to fully understand the implications of this provision and to assess the potential risks involved.