What is the Architect assigning to Epcon Communities regarding the right to expand the Work?
Epcon_Communities Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Architect hereby irrevocably transfers, conveys and assigns all worldwide right, title and interest in the copyright of each such Work in all formats and media, whether now existing or hereafter devised, including all electronic and future media, all translations and all primary and subsidiary rights, to Epcon.
The rights transferred include but are not limited to the right to bring suit, collect damages and pursue all remedies for past infringement, all copyrights registrations of the Work, and the right to secure any copyright registrations, renewals, reissues or extensions of any such copyrights throughout the world, the right to register the copyright in Epcon's name, the right to license, sell, assign or otherwise exploit the Work as it sees fit in its sole discretion, the right to reproduce, alter, expand, change, modify and adapt the Work, and the sole right to decide whether and in what manner to publish, advertise, publicize, and exploit the Work.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 86–280)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Epcon Communities' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an architect working for an Epcon Communities franchisee irrevocably transfers all worldwide rights, titles, and interests in the copyright of their work to Epcon Communities. This includes the right to reproduce, alter, expand, change, modify, and adapt the work. Epcon Communities secures the right to decide how to publish, advertise, publicize, and exploit the work.
This assignment ensures that Epcon Communities has complete control over the architectural designs and can modify them as needed for different projects or adaptations. The agreement covers all formats and media, whether existing or created in the future, including electronic and future media, translations, and primary and subsidiary rights. Epcon Communities also gains the right to pursue legal remedies for past copyright infringements.
This requirement is part of the agreement between Epcon Communities and its franchisees, ensuring consistency and quality control across all projects. The architect also agrees to provide additional assignments or documents if requested by Epcon Communities to confirm the transfer of copyrights. This comprehensive transfer of rights allows Epcon Communities to maintain uniformity and protect its intellectual property, while also giving them the flexibility to adapt designs as needed for various projects.
For a prospective Epcon Communities franchisee, this means that any architect they hire must agree to these terms, ensuring that Epcon Communities retains ultimate control over the designs used in their communities. This is a critical aspect of maintaining the brand's standards and protecting its intellectual property.