Must a Cool Binz franchisee use the copyrighted items only in the way Cool Binz specifies?
Cool_Binz Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We do not own any registered copyrights which are material to the franchise; however, we claim copyrights in the Operations Manuals, System Standards, advertising materials, COOL BINZ Software, business forms, videos, CDs and other printed and advertising material used in operating the System. We have not registered these copyrights with the United States Registrar of Copyrights. You must use these items only in the way we specify and only while operating your COOL BINZ Business. You do not have any rights, including rights to compensation, under the Franchise Agreement if we require you to modify or discontinue using the subject matter covered by any patent or copyright.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 50–52)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cool Binz's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to Cool Binz's specifications when using copyrighted materials. While Cool Binz does not have registered copyrights that are material to the franchise, they do claim copyrights for their Operations Manuals, System Standards, advertising materials, COOL BINZ Software, business forms, videos, CDs, and other printed and advertising material used in operating the System.
This means a Cool Binz franchisee is obligated to use these copyrighted items only in the manner Cool Binz specifies and only while operating their Cool Binz business. Franchisees do not have rights to compensation under the Franchise Agreement if Cool Binz requires them to modify or discontinue using any material covered by a patent or copyright.
The Operations Manuals and System Standards contain proprietary information that franchisees can use to operate their Cool Binz business. Franchisees must promptly inform Cool Binz of any unauthorized use of their proprietary information. Cool Binz is not obligated to take action but will respond as they deem appropriate.
Cool Binz retains ownership of all customer lists provided to the franchisee and those developed during business operations. Franchisees must maintain an up-to-date customer list in the COOL BINZ Software, including customer details like name, contact information, service frequency, last service date, and price. Franchisees must also disclose to Cool Binz any ideas, concepts, methods, techniques, and products concerning the development and operation of the COOL BINZ Business that they, the Managing Owner, the Designated Manager, or employees conceive or develop during the term of the Franchise Agreement.