Has Circle K filed for copyright registration for the Business Systems Manuals?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We do not grant you the right to use any items covered by a patent, pending patent application or copyright, but we do permit you to use proprietary information in the Business Systems Manuals and Motor Fuel Business Systems Manuals. See Item 11. Although we have not filed an application for copyright registration for the Business Systems Manuals, Motor Fuel Business Systems Manual and related materials, the information in the Business Systems Manuals, Motor Fuel Business Systems Manual, and related materials is proprietary, and we claim copyrights to the entire Business Systems Manuals, Motor Fuel Business System Manual, and related materials used in connection with the operation of your Store.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 76–77)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, while Circle K has not filed for copyright registration of its Business Systems Manuals or Motor Fuel Business Systems Manual, it considers the information within these manuals to be proprietary and claims copyrights to them. This means that although Circle K has not formally registered the copyrights, it asserts ownership and protection over the content.
For a prospective franchisee, this implies that the Business Systems Manuals are confidential and must be protected. Franchisees are granted permission to use the proprietary information contained within the manuals but do not have the right to copy the manuals unless approved by Circle K in writing. Franchisees must also keep all confidential information secret and confidential.
Circle K retains the right to revise, combine, or eliminate any part of the Business Systems Manuals at any time, and franchisees are obligated to operate their stores in accordance with these revisions. In the event of any dispute regarding the Business Systems Manuals, the terms of the master copy maintained by Circle K will be controlling. Franchisees are required to maintain the Business Systems Manuals in a current and up-to-date manner.