Does Bft have any registered copyrights or pending patent applications material to the franchise?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We have no registered copyrights, nor are there any pending patent applications that are material to the franchise. However, we claim copyrights on certain forms, advertisements, promotional materials, software source code and other Confidential Information as defined below.
There currently are no effective determinations of the United States Copyright Office (or any court regarding any of the copyrighted materials. There are no agreements in effect which significantly limit our right to use or license the copyrighted materials. Finally, there are no infringing uses actually known to us that could materially affect your use of the copyrighted materials in any state. No agreement requires us to protect or defend any copyrights or you in connection with any copyrights.
All information relating to the System and to the development and operation of Studios (including your Studio), including, without limitation, the Learning Management System, our training programs, members and supplier lists, customer data, or other information or know-how distinctive to the development or operation of a Studio (all of the preceding information is the "Confidential Information") is considered to be proprietary and trade secrets of Franchisor. Confidential Information does not include information, knowledge, or know-how, which is lawfully known to the public without violation of applicable law or an obligation to us or our affiliates, or any personal or other information of your employees and other personnel. We disclose to you Confidential Information needed for the operation of a Studio, and you may learn additional information during the term of your Franchise. We have all rights to the Confidential Information and your only interest in the Confidential Information is the right to use it under your Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 55–56)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bft does not have any registered copyrights, nor are there any pending patent applications that are material to the franchise. However, Bft does claim copyrights on certain forms, advertisements, promotional materials, software source code, and other confidential information.
Bft states that there are no effective determinations of the United States Copyright Office or any court regarding any of the copyrighted materials. Additionally, there are no agreements that significantly limit Bft's right to use or license the copyrighted materials. Bft also states that there are no infringing uses actually known to them that could materially affect a franchisee's use of the copyrighted materials in any state. No agreement requires Bft to protect or defend any copyrights or a franchisee in connection with any copyrights.
All information relating to the Bft system and to the development and operation of studios, including the Learning Management System, training programs, member and supplier lists, customer data, or other information or know-how distinctive to the development or operation of a studio, is considered proprietary and trade secrets of Bft. This is considered "Confidential Information". Franchisees are only granted the right to use this information under the Franchise Agreement.