Is Coffee News aware of any patent or copyright infringement that could materially affect a Coffee News franchisee?
Coffee_News Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We do not own rights in, or licenses to, patents that are materials to the franchise. We have no pending patent applications that are material to the franchise. We do not know of any patent or copyright infringement that could materially affect the franchisee.
Although we have not filed an application for a copyright registration for our training programs or the Coffee News Operations Manual, we claim a copyright and deems the information contained in our manual, training program materials, marketing promotion materials, our License Agreement, and all content that We and our affiliate have developed to be proprietary. Additionally, our affiliate 2703203 Manitoba Inc. claims copyright to the Coffee News format design and the content of the Periodicals.
You must also promptly tell us when you learn about an unauthorized use of our proprietary information. We are not obligated to take any action but will respond to this information as we think appropriate. There is no current material determination of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office, or a court that affects our franchise business. There is no agreement limiting the use of the copyrights. We do not know of any superior rights or patent or copyright infringement that could materially affect your use of the above-mentioned copyrighted materials. There is no agreement that requires us to participate in your defense or indemnify you for damages or expenses in a proceeding involving a copyright or claims relating to your use of the above-mentioned copyrighted materials.
Source: Item 14 — Patents, Copyrights, and Proprietary Information (FDD page 24)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Coffee News Franchise Disclosure Document, Coffee News states that it does not know of any patent or copyright infringement that could materially affect a franchisee. However, Coffee News does claim a copyright on its training programs, the Coffee News Operations Manual, marketing promotion materials, the License Agreement, and all content developed by Coffee News and its affiliate. The affiliate, 2703203 Manitoba Inc., also claims copyright to the Coffee News format design and the content of the Periodicals.
Prospective franchisees should be aware that they must promptly inform Coffee News of any unauthorized use of its proprietary information. While Coffee News is not obligated to take action, it will respond as it deems appropriate. The FDD also states that there is no current material determination by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office, or a court that affects the Coffee News franchise business. Additionally, there are no agreements limiting the use of the copyrights.
It's important to note that Coffee News is not obligated to participate in a franchisee's defense or indemnify them for damages or expenses in any legal proceeding involving copyright or claims related to the use of the copyrighted materials. Franchisees should be aware of these stipulations regarding intellectual property and potential legal issues.
In summary, while Coffee News asserts its copyrights and expects franchisees to protect its intellectual property, it does not offer legal protection or indemnification to franchisees in case of copyright disputes. This is a common arrangement in franchising, where franchisees are typically responsible for their own legal compliance and defense.