What constitutes 'Infringement' regarding Stretch Zone's Intellectual Property that could lead to termination of the franchise agreement?
Stretch_Zone Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Section 5.3 INFRINGEMENT BY YOU
You acknowledge that the use of the Intellectual Property outside the scope of this Agreement, without our written consent, is an infringement of our rights in the Intellectual Property. You agree that during the Initial Term, and after the expiration or termination of this Agreement, you will not, directly or indirectly, commit an act of infringement or contest or aid in contesting the validity of, or our right to, the Intellectual Property, or take any other action in derogation of our rights.
Section 5.4 CLAIMS AGAINST THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
If there is any claim of infringement, unfair competition or other challenge to your right to use the Principal Trademark or the other Intellectual Property you will promptly (within 7 days) notify us in writing. If you become aware of any use of, or claim to, the Principal Trademark or the other Intellectual Property by persons other than us or our Franchisees, you will promptly (within 7 days) notify us in writing. You will not communicate with anyone except our counsel and us on any infringement, challenge or claim except under judicial process. We have sole discretion as to whether we take any action on any infringement, challenge or claim. We have the sole right to control any litigation or other proceeding arising out of any infringement of, challenge to, or claim to any Intellectual Property. You must sign all documents, render all assistance, and do all acts that our attorneys deem necessary or advisable in order to protect and maintain our interest in any litigation or proceeding involving the Intellectual Property or otherwise to protect and maintain our interests in the Intellectual Property.
Section 5.5 INDEMNIFICATION BY US.
We indemnify you against and will reimburse you for all damages and costs (including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs) for which you are held liable in any proceeding based on your use of any of the Intellectual Property in accordance with the Franchise Agreement, provided you: (a) have timely notified us of the claim or proceeding; (b) have otherwise complied with the Franchise Agreement; (c) allow us sole control of the defense and settlement of the action; and (d) cooperate fully with our counsel in the defense of the action.
Source: Item 8 — Receipts. Any sale made must be in compliance with § 683(8) of the Franchise Sale Act (N.Y. Gen. Bus. L. § 680 et seq.), which describes the time period a Franchise Disclosure Document (offering prospectus) must be provided to a prospective franchisee before a sale may be made. New York law requires a franchisor to provide the Franchise Disclosure Document at the earliest of the first personal meeting or ten (10) business days before the execution of the franchise or other agreement or the payment of any consideration that relates to the franchise relationship. (FDD pages 99–263)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Stretch Zone's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, infringement of their intellectual property occurs when a franchisee uses the intellectual property outside the scope of the franchise agreement without written consent from Stretch Zone. This includes any unauthorized use during the initial term of the agreement, as well as after the agreement's expiration or termination. Franchisees agree not to commit any act of infringement, contest the validity of Stretch Zone's intellectual property rights, or take any action that could undermine those rights.
Stretch Zone requires franchisees to promptly notify them in writing (within 7 days) of any claims of infringement, unfair competition, or challenges to the right to use the Principal Trademark or other Intellectual Property. Franchisees must also report any unauthorized use of the Principal Trademark or other Intellectual Property by other parties. Franchisees are not allowed to communicate with anyone other than Stretch Zone's counsel and Stretch Zone itself regarding any infringement, challenge, or claim, except under judicial process.
Stretch Zone retains sole discretion over whether to take action on any infringement, challenge, or claim and has the sole right to control any related litigation or proceedings. Franchisees are obligated to sign documents, provide assistance, and perform acts deemed necessary by Stretch Zone's attorneys to protect and maintain their interests in any litigation or proceeding involving the Intellectual Property.
Stretch Zone will indemnify and reimburse franchisees for damages and costs (including reasonable attorneys' fees) for which they are held liable in any proceeding based on their use of any of the Intellectual Property in accordance with the Franchise Agreement, provided the franchisee has notified Stretch Zone of the claim, complied with the Franchise Agreement, allowed Stretch Zone sole control of the defense and settlement, and cooperated fully with their counsel.