If Jersey Mikes acquires a patent or copyright in the future, what is a franchisee required to do?

According to Jersey Mikes's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, currently, Jersey Mikes does not own any rights or licenses to pending patent applications, special patents, or copyrights related to the franchise. However, should Jersey Mikes acquire a patent or copyright in the future, franchisees are obligated to use the patent or copyright as required by Jersey Mikes. This decision to acquire and require the use of a patent or copyright rests solely at Jersey Mikes's discretion.

This stipulation means that if Jersey Mikes decides to obtain a patent or copyright relevant to the franchise system, franchisees must implement and adhere to the standards and procedures dictated by that patent or copyright. This could involve changes to operational methods, use of specific materials, or adherence to particular branding guidelines. The franchisee has no say in whether or not to adopt the patent or copyright if Jersey Mikes deems it necessary.

For a prospective franchisee, this clause underscores the importance of staying adaptable and prepared for potential changes to the Jersey Mikes system. While no specific patents or copyrights are in place currently, franchisees must be ready to integrate any future intellectual property protections that Jersey Mikes introduces. This could entail additional costs, training, or modifications to the restaurant's operations, all of which are mandatory under the franchise agreement.