What is US Patent No. 10,686,856 for Delta Hotels By Marriott related to?

According to the 2025 Delta Hotels By Marriott Franchise Disclosure Document, US Patent No. 10,686,856 is for a "System and methods for initiating a media streaming device, particularly for devices associated with a guest services environment." The patent application, related to a guestroom entertainment platform, was initially filed on October 12, 2016, and was officially granted on June 16, 2020. This indicates that Delta Hotels By Marriott has a proprietary system for managing media streaming in its guest rooms.

For a prospective franchisee, this means that the guestroom entertainment systems used in their Delta Hotels By Marriott location will be covered by this patent. As a franchisee, you would be required to use this system as part of the brand standards. Delta Hotels By Marriott also reserves the right to modify or discontinue the use of the patented item or process, and the franchisee would be responsible for any associated expenses if changes are mandated.

Delta Hotels By Marriott maintains ownership of its patented business processes, preventing franchisees from independently seeking patents for similar processes. This underscores the importance of adhering to the franchisor's established systems and protocols. Franchisees should be aware that unauthorized use of these proprietary systems could lead to litigation, and Delta Hotels By Marriott retains the right to control any such litigation, including actions against unauthorized users.