Does any agreement require Coffee News to participate in a franchisee's defense or indemnify them for damages in a proceeding involving a copyright related to the franchisee's use of copyrighted materials?

According to Coffee News's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there is no agreement that requires Coffee News to participate in a franchisee's defense or indemnify them for damages or expenses in a proceeding involving a copyright or claims relating to the franchisee's use of copyrighted materials. The FDD states that Coffee News is not obligated to take any action regarding unauthorized use of their proprietary information, but will respond as they deem appropriate.

This means that if a Coffee News franchisee is sued for copyright infringement related to their use of Coffee News's materials, Coffee News is not contractually obligated to provide legal assistance or cover any resulting damages or expenses. The franchisee would be solely responsible for their legal defense and any financial repercussions.

Prospective franchisees should be aware of this lack of protection and may want to consider obtaining their own legal counsel and insurance to mitigate the risk of potential copyright claims. It is important for franchisees to adhere to Coffee News's guidelines and restrictions on the use of copyrighted materials to minimize the likelihood of such issues arising.