Are the All Dogs Unleashed non-compete obligations in addition to other obligations regarding trade secrets?
All_Dogs_Unleashed Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The covenants not to compete are in addition to and not in lieu of your obligations under this Agreement to not use any trade secrets, confidential information or personal contacts except as we authorize.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 49–158)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 All Dogs Unleashed Franchise Disclosure Document, the non-compete obligations are in addition to other obligations regarding trade secrets. Specifically, the agreement states that the franchisee's obligations not to compete do not replace their duty to protect trade secrets, confidential information, and personal contacts of All Dogs Unleashed, except as authorized by the company. This means that even if the non-compete agreement expires or is deemed unenforceable, the franchisee still has a separate and ongoing responsibility to safeguard All Dogs Unleashed's proprietary information.
All Dogs Unleashed emphasizes the importance of protecting its business interests by requiring franchisees to agree not to use trade secrets, confidential information, or personal contacts without authorization. This obligation exists independently of the non-compete agreement. The franchisor may also require franchisees to obtain written agreements from their owners, officers, directors, employees, and agents to not compete against them and to not disclose their trade secrets and confidential information.
This dual protection strategy underscores the franchisor's commitment to maintaining a competitive edge and protecting its sensitive business data. For a prospective All Dogs Unleashed franchisee, this means understanding that both the non-compete agreement and the confidentiality obligations are critical aspects of the franchise agreement and must be adhered to strictly. Violation of either provision could result in legal action and financial penalties, as well as injunctive relief.