Does Craters & Freighters claim common law and federal copyrights in its computer software programs?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Although we have not filed an application for copyright registration for the Operations Manuals, the trademarks, our website, our computer software programs, the advertising materials, or any other writings and recordings, we claim common law and federal copyrights in these items. We grant you the right to use this proprietary and copyrighted information ("Copyrighted Works") in connection with your operation of your Franchised Business, but these copyrights remain our sole property.
There are currently no effective determinations of the United States Copyright Office or any court regarding any Copyrighted Works of ours, nor are any proceedings pending, nor are there any currently effective agreements between us and third parties pertaining to the Copyrighted Works that will or may significantly limit your use of our Copyrighted Works.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 34–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Craters & Freighters Franchise Disclosure Document, Craters & Freighters claims common law and federal copyrights in its computer software programs. While Craters & Freighters has not filed for copyright registration for its computer software programs, among other items, it asserts ownership through common law and federal copyright claims.
This means that Craters & Freighters considers its computer software programs to be protected under copyright law, even without formal registration. As a franchisee, you are granted the right to use this copyrighted information in connection with operating your Craters & Freighters franchise. However, Craters & Freighters retains sole ownership of these copyrights.
The FDD also states that there are no current determinations from the United States Copyright Office or any court regarding Craters & Freighters's copyrighted works, nor are there any pending proceedings or agreements that would significantly limit a franchisee's use of these copyrighted works. This implies that while Craters & Freighters claims these copyrights, their legal standing has not been formally tested or challenged.