Does Pearce Bespoke contract with individual franchisees to protect copyrights?

According to the 2025 Pearce Bespoke Franchise Disclosure Document, Pearce Bespoke does not enter into individual contracts with franchisees to protect copyrights. This means that Pearce Bespoke will not provide specific contractual protections for franchisees regarding copyright issues.

Pearce Bespoke retains control over any copyright litigation related to its copyrights and has the sole discretion to decide whether to pursue or settle any suits related to infringement. This indicates that while Pearce Bespoke claims copyright protection for its manuals and promotional materials, it does not extend this protection to cover individual franchisees against infringement or unfair competition claims arising from their use of these copyrights.

For a prospective franchisee, this implies that they are responsible for ensuring their own compliance with copyright laws and defending themselves against any claims of infringement related to their operation of the Pearce Bespoke franchise. Pearce Bespoke will not participate in the franchisee's defense or indemnify them in such cases. It is important for franchisees to understand the scope of permitted use of Pearce Bespoke's copyrighted materials and to seek legal counsel if they have concerns about potential copyright issues.

This approach is not uncommon in franchising, where franchisors often maintain control over their intellectual property but do not assume responsibility for the legal defense of individual franchisees. Franchisees should carefully review the franchise agreement and related documents to understand their rights and obligations regarding intellectual property.