What copyrighted materials does Buildingstars claim copyrights in?
Buildingstars Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
No patents are material to the franchise. We and our Affiliates claim copyrights in the Confidential Operating Manual, sales material and brochures, and related items used in operating the franchise. We and our Affiliates have not registered these copyrights with the United States Registrar of Copyrights, but need not do so at this time to protect them. You may use these items only as we specify while operating your Business (and must stop using them if we so direct you).
There currently are no effective adverse determinations of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Copyright Office (Library of Congress), or any court regarding the copyrighted materials. We do not actually know of any infringing uses of our copyrights that could materially affect your use of the copyrighted materials in any state.
You must also promptly tell us when you learn about unauthorized use of this copyrighted material. BUILDINGSTARS is not obligated to take any action but will respond to this information in a manner we think is appropriate. We need not protect or defend copyrights, although we intend to do so if in the system's best interests. We may control any action we choose to bring, even if you voluntarily bring the matter to our attention. We need not participate in your defense and/or indemnify you for damages or expenses in a proceeding involving a copyright.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD page 28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buildingstars's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Buildingstars and its affiliates claim copyrights in several materials related to the franchise operation. These include the Confidential Operating Manual, sales materials and brochures, and other related items used in operating the Buildingstars franchise.
Buildingstars states that it has not registered these copyrights with the United States Registrar of Copyrights, but they believe registration is not currently necessary to protect their rights. As a franchisee, you are permitted to use these copyrighted items, but only as specified by Buildingstars while operating your business. You must discontinue using these materials if Buildingstars directs you to do so.
Buildingstars also states that there are no current adverse determinations from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Copyright Office, or any court regarding these copyrighted materials. Furthermore, Buildingstars claims it is not aware of any infringing uses of its copyrights that could significantly impact a franchisee's use of the copyrighted materials. However, franchisees are obligated to inform Buildingstars of any unauthorized use of these copyrighted materials that they become aware of. Buildingstars is not obligated to take action but will respond as it deems appropriate and retains control over any legal action it chooses to pursue, even if the franchisee brings the matter to their attention. Buildingstars is not required to participate in a franchisee's defense or provide indemnity in proceedings involving a copyright.