Is registration of the Deka Lash copyrights currently filed?

According to Deka Lash's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, while Deka Lash claims a copyright to its Operations Manual, marketing material such as website text, and other printed material, the registration of those copyrights has not been filed at the present time. Deka Lash considers all of these items confidential and proprietary. Upon termination of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must return the Operations Manuals and any confidential information to Deka Lash.

This means that while Deka Lash asserts ownership and protection over its materials, it has not yet taken the formal step of registering these copyrights with the government. Registration can provide additional legal benefits and strengthen Deka Lash's ability to enforce its copyrights against infringement. However, the absence of registration does not necessarily mean that the materials are not protected, as copyright protection exists from the moment of creation.

For a prospective franchisee, this highlights the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of Deka Lash's materials. The franchisee is obligated to protect this information and return it upon termination of the agreement. Failure to do so could potentially lead to legal action by Deka Lash to protect its intellectual property rights, even in the absence of formal copyright registration. Franchisees should ensure they understand what constitutes confidential information and how to properly handle it to avoid any breaches of the franchise agreement.