Does ADQ claim copyright ownership for the Dq Treat franchise agreement?
Dq_Treat Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
There are no patents or copyrights currently registered or pending patent applications that are material to the franchise offered, although ADQ claims copyright ownership and protection for the franchise agreement and other franchise related agreements, the Operations Manual, and for various sales promotional and other materials published.
There are no current material determinations of the United States Copyright Office, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or a court regarding the patent or copyright, nor any material proceeding pending in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any court. There are currently no agreements in effect that limit the use of any patents or copyrights in a manner affecting you. ADQ knows of no patent or copyright infringement that could materially affect you.
ADQ is not obligated to protect you against infringement or unfair competition claims arising out of your use of any patents or copyrights, or to participate in your defense or indemnify you. ADQ has the right to control any litigation related to any patents and copyrights and the right to decide to pursue or settle any infringement actions related to the patents or copyrights. You must notify ADQ promptly of any infringement or unauthorized use of the patents and copyrights of which you become aware and cooperate with any action that ADQ undertakes; however, ADQ is not required by the franchise agreement to take affirmative action when notified of such uses. You do not have any rights under the franchise agreement if ADQ requires you to modify or discontinue using any subject matter covered by a patent or copyright.
Source: Item 14 — U***:** U**Patents, Copyrights, and Proprietary Information (FDD pages 50–51)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Dq Treat Franchise Disclosure Document, ADQ claims copyright ownership and protection for the franchise agreement. This means that ADQ asserts legal rights over the franchise agreement's content and structure, preventing unauthorized reproduction or distribution.
In addition to the franchise agreement, ADQ also claims copyright ownership for other franchise-related agreements, the Operations Manual, and various sales promotional and other published materials. This broad claim of copyright ownership allows ADQ to control how these materials are used and disseminated within the Dq Treat franchise system.
It is important to note that ADQ is not obligated to protect franchisees against infringement or unfair competition claims arising from the use of these copyrights. Furthermore, ADQ retains the right to control any litigation related to these patents and copyrights, including the decision to pursue or settle infringement actions. As a Dq Treat franchisee, you must promptly notify ADQ of any infringement or unauthorized use of these copyrights and cooperate with any action ADQ undertakes.