With whom is a Bigfoot Forestry franchisee allowed to communicate regarding an IP Dispute?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may not communicate with any Person other than us and our counsel in connection with the IP Dispute.
We have sole discretion in deciding what action, if any, to take in response to an IP Dispute.
We exclusively control all litigation and other proceedings relating to IP Disputes.
You must execute all documents, render all assistance, and perform all acts that our counsel deems necessary or advisable to protect or maintain our interest in the proceeding and/or protect the Intellectual Property.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–162)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee facing an IP Dispute is restricted in who they can communicate with. The franchisee may only communicate with Bigfoot Forestry and their counsel regarding the IP Dispute.
This restriction means a franchisee cannot discuss the dispute with other franchisees, external legal advisors without Bigfoot Forestry's consent, or any third parties. This is to ensure that Bigfoot Forestry maintains control over the handling and resolution of any IP Disputes, protecting the brand's intellectual property and legal strategy.
The FDD also states that Bigfoot Forestry has sole discretion in deciding what action, if any, to take in response to an IP Dispute and exclusively controls all litigation and other proceedings relating to IP Disputes. The franchisee is obligated to cooperate by executing documents, providing assistance, and performing acts deemed necessary by Bigfoot Forestry's counsel to protect the Intellectual Property. This arrangement centralizes the management of IP Disputes with the franchisor, which is a common practice in franchising to maintain brand consistency and legal protection.