Does the obligation to disclose inventions to Fitstop depend on whether they are patentable?

According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to disclose all inventions, discoveries, and improvements to Fitstop, regardless of whether they are patentable or copyrightable. This obligation ensures that Fitstop is aware of and can potentially utilize any advancements made by its franchisees.

This requirement means that if a Fitstop franchisee develops a new exercise, a better way to manage client data, or any other improvement related to the Fitstop system, they must inform Fitstop. This applies whether or not the franchisee believes the invention is eligible for a patent or copyright.

The purpose of this clause is to allow Fitstop to maintain control over its system and potentially incorporate successful innovations from individual franchisees across the entire franchise network. It also protects Fitstop's intellectual property by ensuring that franchisees do not independently commercialize improvements to the Fitstop system. Franchisees should be aware that any such developments become the property of Fitstop.