What is the geographical scope of the copyright assignment to Epcon Communities?
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, when an architect creates works for a franchisee, the architect assigns all rights to the copyright of that work to Epcon Communities. This assignment includes a transfer of all rights, titles, and interests in the copyright across all formats and media, whether they currently exist or are developed in the future.
The geographical scope of this assignment is worldwide, meaning Epcon Communities gains ownership of the copyright for each work, no matter where in the world it is used or exploited. This encompasses all electronic and future media, translations, and primary and subsidiary rights. Epcon Communities obtains the right to pursue legal action for past copyright infringements, register copyrights, and renew or extend these copyrights globally.
This complete transfer enables Epcon Communities to control how the architectural works are used, modified, and distributed on a global scale. It also allows Epcon Communities to protect its intellectual property and brand identity consistently across different markets and regions. For a prospective franchisee, this means that any architectural work developed for their franchise must adhere to this agreement, ensuring Epcon Communities maintains ultimate control over the designs and related materials.