What is the process for dividing damages or settlement awards received in connection with a Camp Margaritaville infringement claim?
Camp_Margaritaville Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- c. When requested by Licensor, Licensee agrees to assist Licensor (and its Affiliates) in connection with any intellectual property claims dealing with the enforcement of
Licensor's (and its Affiliates') rights in the Margaritaville Intellectual Property or Margaritaville Artwork that Licensor (and its Affiliates) may choose to bring. Licensor agrees to reimburse Licensee's reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing such assistance. With respect to any intellectual property actions not caused by any breach of this Agreement by Licensee that Licensor may choose to bring, Licensor shall, at Licensor's cost and expense, employ counsel of its own choice to direct the handling of such claims and any settlement thereof. Licensor shall be entitled to receive and retain all amounts awarded as damages, profits or otherwise in connection with such suits.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 72–406)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Camp Margaritaville FDD, the franchisor, not the franchisee, is entitled to receive and retain all amounts awarded as damages, profits, or otherwise in connection with intellectual property infringement suits. This applies to actions, not caused by any breach of the agreement by the franchisee, that the franchisor may choose to bring to protect its Margaritaville Intellectual Property or Margaritaville Artwork. The franchisor also has the right to employ counsel of its own choice to direct the handling of such claims and any settlement thereof, at the franchisor's cost and expense.
However, the franchisee is expected to assist the franchisor (and its affiliates) in connection with any intellectual property claims dealing with the enforcement of the franchisor's (and its affiliates') rights in the Margaritaville Intellectual Property or Margaritaville Artwork that the franchisor (and its affiliates) may choose to bring. The franchisor agrees to reimburse the franchisee's reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing such assistance.
This arrangement means that while a Camp Margaritaville franchisee is obligated to support the franchisor's intellectual property protection efforts, they do not directly benefit from any financial recoveries resulting from those efforts. The franchisee's main benefit is the continued protection of the brand and its associated intellectual property, which helps maintain the value and reputation of the Camp Margaritaville system. Franchisees should ensure they understand the scope of their required assistance and the process for reimbursement of expenses.