Who owns the Southern Steer Brand Manual?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee hereby acknowledge that the Brand Manual is loaned to Franchisee and will at all times remain the sole and exclusive property of Franchisor.
Franchisee is prohibited from making copies of or otherwise disseminating the Brand Manual.
The Franchisee will not use the Brand Manual, or any information contained therein for any purpose other than the operation of the Franchisee's Southern Steer Business.
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 Brand Manual is the sole and exclusive property of the Franchisor. The franchisee acknowledges that the Brand Manual is loaned to them and must be returned to the Franchisor upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement.
Southern Steer retains ownership of all rights, title, interest, and goodwill associated with the Brand Manual. The franchisee's right to use the Brand Manual derives solely from the franchise agreement, and Southern Steer has the sole right to control the franchisee's use of it. The franchisee can only use the Brand Manual to operate their Southern Steer Business during the term of the agreement and in accordance with its conditions.
Franchisees are prohibited from making copies or disseminating the Brand Manual and must treat it as confidential information, limiting access to employees who need it for their duties. Franchisees must also adhere to the rules and guidelines set out in the Brand Manual when using it for the identification, marketing, promotion, and operation of their Southern Steer Business. Any changes, improvements, or enhancements made to the Brand Manual by the franchisee automatically become the property of Southern Steer.