For a Southern Steer franchise, does the definition of 'Copyrighted Material' include software?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Copyrighted Materials. "Copyrighted Materials" means all manuals, the Brand Manual, System, logos, designs, marketing materials, layouts of advertising materials, copyrights, writings, recordings, binders, videos, Website content, other web content, electronic files, agreements, forms, books, software and printed materials, etc. including all revisions, changes, modifications and derivatives of or to any of the foregoing, related to the Southern Steer Business or provided to Franchisee by Franchisor, its designees or its Affiliates, including all additions, modifications, derivatives, alterations and improvements thereto.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of "Copyrighted Materials" explicitly includes software. This definition encompasses a wide array of items related to the Southern Steer business that are protected by copyright.
The inclusion of software in the definition of Copyrighted Materials means that franchisees are bound by the terms of the franchise agreement regarding the use, modification, and distribution of any software provided by Southern Steer. Franchisees must adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Brand Manual and are prohibited from unauthorized use of these materials.
This has significant implications for a prospective franchisee. It clarifies that the software used in the operation of the Southern Steer business is proprietary and protected. Franchisees cannot copy, modify, or distribute the software without explicit authorization from Southern Steer. Unauthorized use constitutes an infringement of Southern Steer's rights and can result in substantial harm to the brand and other franchisees. Therefore, it is crucial for franchisees to understand and comply with the terms and conditions related to the use of Copyrighted Materials, including software, as outlined in the franchise agreement and Brand Manual.