Does C12 Group claim common law rights for its training materials?

According to the 2025 C12 Group Franchise Disclosure Document, C12 Group asserts common law rights and copyright protection for its proprietary materials. These include training and operating manuals, program materials, and other documents used in the operation of the business. This extends to advertising and marketing materials, meeting/facilitation materials, booklets, seminars, presentations, and software specifically developed by C12 Group for usage and delivery to its members and prospective members.

This means that C12 Group believes it has inherent rights, recognized through legal precedent, to protect its training and operational materials, in addition to any formal copyright registrations. As a franchisee, you are required to operate your franchise in accordance with the Chair Training Manual and Workbook, as well as the standard practices maintained in the C12 Manual and on the www.c12forums.com web portal.

The FDD also states that franchisees must not contest C12 Group's rights to its trademarks, trade secrets, or proprietary materials. Upon termination of the franchise agreement, franchisees must immediately cease using C12 Group's trade name, trademarks, service marks, and any proprietary materials, including manuals and websites, and either return or destroy these materials as directed by C12 Group. This underscores the importance of adhering to C12 Group's brand standards and protecting its intellectual property.

Violation of copyright privileges includes any use of C12 Group proprietary programs, Business Forum formats, and the techniques trained via the Field Operations Manual, Meeting Playbook, Brand Standards Guide, and New Chair Training protocol. This means that franchisees must strictly adhere to the guidelines and materials provided by C12 Group and refrain from unauthorized use or reproduction of these materials.