Does Southern Steer own any patents or patent applications material to the Southern Steer Business?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
, for any legal reason, superior to the rights of Southern Steer Butcher, LLC as to the Mark(s), then You must use the variances or other service marks, trademarks or trade names We require.
ITEM. 14 PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
Patents
We do not own any patents or patent applications that are material to the Southern Steer Business.
Copyrights
We and/or Our Affiliates have copyright rights in websites, mobile applications, advertising copy and design, menu designs, training materials, the Brand Manual, and other written or digital materials, and items may be developed in the future. We have not applied to the U.S. Copyright Office to register these copyrights.
Proprietary Rights
Our Brand Manual, electronic information and communications, sales and promotional materials, the development and use of Our System, standards, specifications, policies, procedures, information, concepts and systems on, knowledge of and experience in the development, operation and franchising of Southern Steer Business, recipes, formulations for and packaging of products, and training, safety, and preparation techniques used to provide products sold at Southern Steer Businesses, information concerning Our products, operating results, financial performance and other financial data of Southern Steer Business and other related materials are proprietary and confidential ("Confidential Information") and are considered to be Our property to be used by You only as described in the Franchise Agreement or the Brand Manual. Where appropriate, certain information, including recipes, has also been identified as trade secrets ("Trade Secrets").
We may use or transfer the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets in any way We wish, both before and after termination, expiration, repurchase, transfer or otherwise.
You must maintain the confidentiality of Our Confidential Information and Trade Secrets and adopt reasonable procedures to prevent unauthorized disclosure of Our Trade Secrets and Confidential Information. You will not use, publish, disclose, divulge or in any manner communicate the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets to any person, firm, corporation, association, partnership or any other entity in any manner other than for Your Southern Steer Business and then only as permitted by Us. You are prohibited from using, copying or imitating or allowing any other person, firm, corporation, association, partnership or other entity to use, copy or imitate any of the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets or any materials confusingly similar to the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets in any manner other than for Your Southern Steer Business, and then only as permitted by Us.
Source: Item 14 — ITEM. 14 PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 40–41)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, Southern Steer does not own any patents or patent applications that are material to the Southern Steer business. However, Southern Steer and/or its affiliates do hold copyright rights in websites, mobile applications, advertising copy and design, menu designs, training materials, the Brand Manual, and other written or digital materials. It is noted that additional items may be developed in the future. Southern Steer has not applied to the U.S. Copyright Office to register these copyrights.
Southern Steer considers its Brand Manual, electronic information and communications, sales and promotional materials, the development and use of its system, standards, specifications, policies, procedures, information, concepts and systems, knowledge of and experience in the development, operation and franchising of Southern Steer businesses, recipes, formulations for and packaging of products, and training, safety, and preparation techniques to be proprietary and confidential. This information is considered Southern Steer's property and is to be used by franchisees only as described in the Franchise Agreement or the Brand Manual. Certain information, including recipes, has also been identified as trade secrets.
Southern Steer may use or transfer the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets in any way it wishes, both before and after termination, expiration, repurchase, transfer or otherwise. Franchisees must maintain the confidentiality of Southern Steer's Confidential Information and Trade Secrets and adopt reasonable procedures to prevent unauthorized disclosure. Franchisees are prohibited from using, copying, or imitating any of the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets in any manner other than for their Southern Steer business, and then only as permitted by Southern Steer. Southern Steer will require franchisees, their designated manager, operating principal and each of their officers, owners, directors, key employees, other beneficial owners and immediate family members who become aware of Southern Steer's Confidential Information and Trade Secrets to execute a Non-Competition and Non-Disclosure Agreement.