What is the Dryject franchisee prohibited from doing with innovations without written approval?
Dryject Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
be deemed Our sole and exclusive property and works made-for-hire for Us. We have the right to incorporate Innovations into the System and may use them and may authorize You and others to use them in the operation of DryJect businesses. Innovations will then also constitute Confidential Information. We will disclose to You Innovations that are made a part of the System in this manner. To the extent any Innovation does not qualify as a work made-for-hire for Us, by this paragraph You assign ownership of that Innovation, and all intellectual property and other rights to the Innovation, to Us and agree to sign and deliver such instruments and documents, provide such assistance and perform such other acts as We periodically designate in order for Us or Our designee to obtain exclusive rights in such Innovations. We will have no obligation to make any lump sum or other payments to You or any other person with respect to any such Innovations. You will not use, nor will You allow any other person to use, any such Innovations, whether in connection with the Franchised Business or otherwise, without obtaining Our prior written approval. You also agree that if You shall develop any new trademarks, service marks, trade names and trade symbols, trade dress, signs, slogans, associated logos, designs, e-marks, copyrights, emblems, patents, formulas, concepts, processes or improvements in the operation or promotion of the Franchised Business, We will immediately become sole owner and licensor.
Source: Item 8 — BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP (FDD pages 68–229)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dryject's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is prohibited from using any innovations, whether related to the franchised business or otherwise, without obtaining prior written approval from Dryject. These innovations, once integrated into the Dryject system, become Dryject's confidential information.
Dryject retains the right to incorporate these innovations into its system and authorize franchisees and others to use them in their Dryject businesses. The document specifies that any innovations developed by the franchisee are considered Dryject's sole and exclusive property as works made-for-hire. If an innovation does not qualify as a work made-for-hire, the franchisee must assign ownership and all related intellectual property rights to Dryject.
This policy ensures that Dryject maintains control over the standards, quality, and uniformity of its system. It also allows Dryject to benefit from any improvements or advancements developed within its franchise network. The franchisee will not receive any payments or compensation for innovations that Dryject incorporates into the system. Furthermore, if a franchisee develops any new trademarks, service marks, or other intellectual property related to the business, Dryject immediately becomes the sole owner and licensor.