Can the copyrights claimed by HIH be transferred to another affiliate for Embassy Suites?
Embassy_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Although the copyrights described above are claimed by HIH, the copyrights may be transferred to another affiliate for administrative purposes periodically, and we will continue to have a license to use them in connection with the System in our franchise business.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 72–74)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Embassy Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the copyrights claimed by HIH can be transferred to another affiliate for administrative purposes. Specifically, while HIH claims the copyrights, these rights may be transferred to another affiliate periodically. However, Hilton will continue to have a license to use these copyrights in connection with the Embassy Suites system in its franchise business.
This means that while the legal ownership of the copyrights may change hands within Hilton's affiliated corporate structure, the franchisee's rights and obligations regarding the use of those copyrights will remain consistent. The franchisee must still comply with Hilton's instructions regarding the use of any current or future copyrights, and Hilton is not obligated to reimburse the franchisee for any costs, expenses, or damages related to modifications or discontinuation of copyright use.
This transfer does not affect the franchisee's ability to use the intellectual property, as Hilton maintains a license to use the copyrights in connection with the Embassy Suites system. The franchisee's obligations to protect their rights to use Hilton's copyrights are the same as their obligations for the marks described in Item 13 of the Franchise Disclosure Document. This ensures that the franchisee's business operations are not disrupted by internal corporate restructuring related to copyright ownership.