US Government Backs McDonald's Franchise Owners in Ice Cream Machine Battle

The federal government is supporting McDonald's franchise owners in their battle to use third-party devices to fix chronically broken ice cream machines, as broken-down machines cost business owners $625 in lost sales per day. The FTC and the Department of Justice are seeking an exemption to copyright law to allow business owners to repair commercial and industrial equipment, arguing that not allowing third-party repairs limits competition and increases costs. The battle stems from McDonald's denying franchise owners the ability to use a high-tech gadget called Kytch, prompting lawsuits and investigations.