Is Zoomin Groomin obligated in the Franchise Agreement to protect its copyrights?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We do not have an obligation in the Franchise Agreement to protect our copyrights, but we intend to do so. We will remain in control of any such litigation. We are not required to participate in the defense of you or indemnify you for expenses or damages in a proceeding involving a copyright licensed to you. We may modify or change the copyrighted materials and compel you to accept and adopt such modifications or changes at your expense. We know of no superior rights or infringing uses that could materially affect your use of the copyrighted materials.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 36–37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Zoomin Groomin FDD, Zoomin Groomin does not have a contractual obligation within the Franchise Agreement to protect its copyrights. However, Zoomin Groomin states its intention to protect its copyrights. Zoomin Groomin will maintain control over any related litigation.
Zoomin Groomin is not required to defend or cover expenses or damages for a franchisee in copyright-related proceedings. Zoomin Groomin retains the right to modify or change copyrighted materials and can require franchisees to adopt these changes at their own expense.
Zoomin Groomin claims copyright on its Operations Manual, website text, and other marketing materials, but has not yet registered these copyrights. The FDD states that there are no existing determinations by the U.S. Copyright Office, courts, or pending litigation that would limit Zoomin Groomin's or its franchisees' use of copyrighted materials. Zoomin Groomin also asserts proprietary rights over its Operations Manual and business methods, considering them confidential and proprietary. Franchisees are prohibited from disclosing or using Zoomin Groomin's confidential information, except as authorized in the Franchise Agreement.