Does Coffee News own any patents that are material to the franchise?

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)