What does Coffee News deem to be proprietary information?
Coffee_News Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
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 considers the information contained in its manual, training program materials, marketing promotion materials, and the License Agreement to be proprietary. Additionally, Coffee News's affiliate, 2703203 Manitoba Inc., claims copyright to the Coffee News format design and the content of the Periodicals. Franchisees must promptly inform Coffee News of any unauthorized use of its proprietary information. However, Coffee News is not obligated to take any action but will respond as it deems appropriate.
This means that as a franchisee, you are bound by confidentiality clauses within the License Agreement to protect Coffee News's intellectual property. You must also ensure that your employees, officers, key personnel, agents, or stockholders execute a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement to be bound by these provisions. Failure to comply with these confidentiality obligations could result in liability for damages, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs if Coffee News has to enforce its contractual rights through legal action.
Furthermore, all title, including copyrights, to the Periodical, Operations Manual, Coffee News College training materials, marketing promotion materials, license agreements, and all content developed by Coffee News or its affiliate, in both hardcopy and digital format, are owned by Coffee News or its affiliate. Franchisees are granted no rights to use this content without Coffee News's written consent. This underscores the importance of adhering to the guidelines and restrictions set forth by Coffee News to protect its proprietary information and intellectual property rights.