What does Dryject's U.S. Patent No. 7,581,684 generally provide for?
Dryject Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As a Franchise Owner, you will be able to utilize DryJect® machines incorporating patented methods and technology owned by our affiliate DryJect, Inc. Acquisition Corporation, U.S. Patent No. 7,581,684 (the "Patent 7,581,684"), which was issued on September 1, 2009, and has been licensed for use to us by our affiliate. In general, the Patent 7,581,684, which builds on a previous patent, provides for a device for placing material on or beneath the soil surface and a method for doing the same.
In addition, we may authorize you to use two other patents owned by our affiliate DryJect, Inc. Acquisition Corporation which have been licensed for use to us for use by us and our franchisees.
The first patent is a patented polymer mixing technique, U.S. Patent No. 9,796,639 (the "Patent 9,796,639"), which was issued on October 24, 2017. Patent 9,796,639 is a cross-linked, water absorbent polymer is mixed with desirable additives and coated to prevent water absorption to create a blend that is added to water injection systems for turf and soil maintenance.
The second patent is for a poppet valve, U.S. Patent No. 10,119,627 B2 (the "Patent 10,119,627 B2"), which was issued on November 6, 2018. Patent 10,119,627 B2 is a mechanical patent for a poppet valve used for controlling water flow.
There are no presently effective determinations of the USPTO, or of any court, nor any pending interference, opposition or cancellation proceedings or pending material litigation involving any of the patents listed above.
We are not obligated by the Franchise Agreement, or otherwise obligated, to protect any or all rights granted to you to utilize the System and its patented equipment, or to protect you against claims of infringement with respect to the patents. However, we believe that our patents are important to the Franchised Business and intend to exercise our best efforts to protect them. We are not aware of any actions that infringe upon our patents that could materially affect your use. If litigation involving the Patents is instituted or threatened against you, you must notify us promptly and cooperate fully with us in defending or settling the litigation. Should we elect to protect the Patents or protect you against claims of infringement, we will have the right to control any
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 36–37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dryject's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, U.S. Patent No. 7,581,684, issued on September 1, 2009, generally provides for a device and method for placing material on or beneath the soil surface. This patent is licensed to Dryject by its affiliate, DryJect, Inc. Acquisition Corporation. As a Dryject franchise owner, you are able to utilize Dryject machines incorporating this patented method and technology.
Dryject may also authorize franchisees to use two other patents owned by their affiliate. The first is U.S. Patent No. 9,796,639, issued on October 24, 2017, which covers a patented polymer mixing technique where a cross-linked, water absorbent polymer is mixed with additives and coated to prevent water absorption, creating a blend for water injection systems used in turf and soil maintenance. The second is U.S. Patent No. 10,119,627 B2, issued on November 6, 2018, which is a mechanical patent for a poppet valve used for controlling water flow.
The FDD states that there are no current determinations from the USPTO or any court, nor any pending proceedings or litigation, involving these patents. However, Dryject is not obligated to protect the rights granted to franchisees to use the patented equipment or to protect franchisees against infringement claims related to the patents. Dryject states that they believe their patents are important and intend to exercise their best efforts to protect them. If litigation involving the patents is instituted or threatened against a franchisee, the franchisee must notify Dryject promptly and cooperate fully in defending or settling the litigation. Dryject retains the right to control any litigation involving a patent licensed to the franchisee should they elect to protect the patents or protect the franchisee against infringement claims.
Prospective franchisees should note that while Dryject intends to protect its patents, it is not obligated to do so. This means that franchisees could potentially face legal challenges related to patent infringement and would need to rely on Dryject's willingness to defend the patents. It is important for potential franchisees to discuss with Dryject the specific steps they take to monitor and protect their patents and what support they would provide to franchisees in the event of a patent-related legal challenge.