Does the Apricot Lane franchise agreement define 'Associate' to include the Associate's managers?

According to the 2025 Apricot Lane Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of "Associate" includes the Associate's managers. Specifically, the agreement states that the term encompasses not only the individual or entity described in the agreement's first paragraph but also their managers, officers, beneficial owners, directors, employees, shareholders, partners, members, principals, immediate family members, and domestic partners. This broad definition has significant implications for non-disclosure and non-compete obligations.

This definition means that managers of an Apricot Lane franchise are subject to the same confidentiality and non-compete restrictions as the franchisee. This is a common practice in franchising to protect the franchisor's confidential information, trade secrets, and business interests. By including managers in the definition of "Associate," Apricot Lane ensures that these key individuals are legally bound to uphold the same standards of confidentiality and non-competition as the franchisee.

For a prospective Apricot Lane franchisee, this means that their managers will be required to adhere to the terms of the Associate agreement, including restrictions on involvement with competitive businesses and the protection of confidential information. Franchisees should ensure that their managers understand these obligations and are willing to comply with them. This also highlights the importance of carefully selecting and training managers, as their actions can have legal and financial consequences for the franchisee.