Does Bumper Man claim copyright protection for the Bumper Man invoicing software?
Bumper_Man Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We do not own any registered copyrights and do not have any pending copyright application that is material to the franchise. However, we claim copyright protection for our Manual, for promotional literature related to our franchise program, and for the Bumper Man URL and all social media and mobile application sites and platforms. See Item 11, Confidential Manual.
We also claim copyright protection in the Bumper Man invoicing software installed on the iPad Mini we loan to you for the operation of your Bumper Business, which is our proprietary software. See Item 11, Technology.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 31–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumper Man's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bumper Man claims copyright protection for its invoicing software. Specifically, Bumper Man asserts copyright protection in the "Bumper Man invoicing software installed on the iPad Mini we loan to you for the operation of your Bumper Business, which is our proprietary software." This software is considered proprietary technology by Bumper Man.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that the invoicing software provided by Bumper Man is protected by copyright. Franchisees are granted the right to use this software as part of their franchise agreement, but they do not own the software or have the right to copy, distribute, or modify it beyond the scope of their agreement. The FDD also states that Bumper Man loans the iPad Mini with the software installed.
Copyright protection is a standard practice in franchising to protect the franchisor's intellectual property. It prevents franchisees (and others) from creating competing systems or products based on the franchisor's proprietary tools. Franchisees should ensure they understand the terms of use for the software and any restrictions on its use, as outlined in the franchise agreement.