What kind of advertising and marketing materials does Hardees own the copyright to?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We own the copyright in all of our advertising and marketing materials including, but not limited to, images, copy, radio and television commercials, and social media posts, the OPM and for certain forms, architectural, engineering, and construction plans, advertising materials, product specifications, computer programs, newsletters, training materials, and operation and accounting manuals. While we do not commonly register our materials protected by copyright with the United States Registrar of Copyrights, we may seek registration for these materials at any time.
Source: Item 14 — Patents, Copyrights, and Proprietary Information (FDD pages 61–62)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Hardees owns the copyright to all of its advertising and marketing materials. This includes a wide range of items that franchisees will use to promote their restaurants.
Specifically, Hardees's copyrighted materials include images, copy, radio and television commercials, and social media posts. These materials are essential for creating a consistent brand image and attracting customers. Franchisees benefit from this because they can use professionally developed and recognizable marketing tools without having to create them from scratch.
While Hardees does not typically register its copyrighted materials with the United States Registrar of Copyrights, it retains the right to seek registration at any time. This protects the brand's intellectual property and ensures that franchisees are using authorized materials. Franchisees should only use marketing and advertising content provided or approved by Hardees to avoid potential copyright issues.