factual

Are Aunt Millies Bakeries' designs considered proprietary information?

Aunt_Millies_Bakeries Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

at any time make its own arrangements for terms and prices to its Outlets. Nothing herein shall require either party to pay slotting allowances or other similar fees or charges imposed by the Chains.

ARTICLE 6 CONFIDENTIALITY

§6.1 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. As a result of this Agreement, DISTRIBUTOR may have access to or obtain certain information not available to the general public regarding AUNT MILLIE'S business ("Confidential Information"). DISTRIBUTOR acknowledges that the Confidential Information constitutes valuable trade secrets to AUNT MILLIE'S and DISTRIBUTOR agrees that it shall use AUNT MILLIE'S Confidential Information solely in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and it will not disclose, or permit the disclosure of same, directly or indirectly, to any third party without AUNT MILLIE'S prior written consent. DISTRIBUTOR agrees to exercise due care in protecting the Confidential Information from unauthorized use and disclosure. However, DISTRIBUTOR has no responsibility for safeguarding any information that it can document in writing (i) is in the public domain through no fault of its own, (ii) was properly known to it, without restriction, prior to disclosure by AUNT MILLIE'S, (iii) was properly disclosed to it, without restriction, by another person with the legal authority to do so, (iv) is independently developed by DISTRIBUTOR without use or reference to AUNT MILLIE'S proprietary information or (v) is required to be disclosed pursuant to a

judicial or legislative order or proceeding; provided that, to the extent permitted by and practical under the circumstances, DISTRIBUTOR provides to AUNT MILLIE'S prior notice of the intended disclosure and an opportunity to respond or object to the disclosure or if prior notice is not permitted or practical under the circumstances, prompt notice of such disclosure.

§6.2 INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. In the event of actual or threatened breach of the provisions of this Article 6, AUNT MILLIE'S will be entitled to immediate injunctive and other equitable relief, without bond and without the necessity of showing actual damage.

ARTICLE 7 TRANSFER OF RIGHTS

  • §7.1 CONDITIONS OF ASSIGNABILITY: The Distribution Rights are owned by the DISTRIBUTOR and may be sold or otherwise transferred in whole or in part by DISTRIBUTOR, provided that any such sale or transfer shall be subject to: (a) the prior written approval of AUNT MILLIE'S, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld; and (b) a right of first refusal on the part of AUNT MILLIE'S at the same terms and conditions offered to DISTRIBUTOR (the "Offer") by a bona fide purchaser or transferee (the "Offeror"). The right of approval and right of refusal referred to herein shall expire unless DISTRIBUTOR is notified by AUNT MILLIE'S that it does not approve the Offeror or that it wishes to exercise its right of first refusal by notice given within ten (10) business days after the last to occur of the following:

    • i. receipt by AUNT MILLIE'S of written notice of intent to sell or transfer to a named Offeror on terms and conditions fully set forth in such notice; and
    • ii. a personal interview of the Offeror's controlling shareholder by a designated AUNT MILLIE'S representative; and
  • iii.

Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD page 31)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Aunt Millies Bakeries' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company considers certain information regarding its business as confidential and proprietary. As a distributor, you may gain access to information not available to the general public, which Aunt Millie's considers valuable trade secrets. This includes, but is not limited to, their software accounting system.

The Distribution Agreement requires you to protect this confidential information and only use it in accordance with the agreement's provisions. You are prohibited from disclosing this information to any third party without prior written consent from Aunt Millie's. You must also take precautions to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure of the confidential information.

Aunt Millie's maintains the right to seek injunctive relief in the event of a breach or threatened breach of the confidentiality provisions outlined in the Distribution Agreement. This means that Aunt Millie's can take immediate legal action to prevent the disclosure or misuse of its confidential information, without needing to demonstrate actual damages or post a bond. Additionally, distributors are expressly prohibited from using Aunt Millie's marks or any confusingly similar designs on the packaging or labeling for any other product. Any proposed marketing or promotional material referencing Aunt Millie's marks must be submitted for approval and cannot be used without prior written consent.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.