Who has the right to control litigation related to Kitchen Solvers' patents and copyrights?

According to Kitchen Solvers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Kitchen Solvers retains the right to control any litigation related to its patents and copyrights. This means that Kitchen Solvers has the sole authority to decide whether to pursue or settle any infringement actions related to these intellectual property assets.

For a prospective franchisee, this indicates that Kitchen Solvers will manage and direct any legal actions concerning its patents and copyrights. The franchisee is obligated to promptly notify Kitchen Solvers of any infringement or unauthorized use of the marks they become aware of. However, the franchisee does not have the right to independently pursue legal action or control the litigation process.

This arrangement is typical in franchising, where the franchisor maintains control over its intellectual property to ensure consistent brand protection and legal strategy. While Kitchen Solvers is not obligated to protect the franchisee against infringement claims arising from their use of patents or copyrights, the franchisor's control over litigation aims to safeguard the overall brand and system.

The franchisee's responsibility is to report any potential infringement, while Kitchen Solvers decides on the appropriate response. This division of responsibility ensures that legal actions are aligned with the franchisor's broader interests and strategies, but it also means that franchisees have limited autonomy in protecting the brand's intellectual property.