factual

What is the Baya Bar franchisee's obligation regarding ensuring its employees' compliance with restrictions on using Baya Bar's intellectual, proprietary and confidential information?

Baya_Bar Franchise · 2024 FDD

Answer from 2024 FDD Document

| the right to use certain trademarks, including, the registered trademark "Baya Bar" and design mark, | | and certain proprietary products, services, promotions and methods (the "System") for the | | establishment and operation of Franchised Business outlets; |

WHEREAS, in connection with his or her duties, it will be necessary for Covenantor to have access to some or all of the confidential information, knowledge, know-how, techniques, contents of the Baya Bar operations manual and other materials used in or related to the System and/or concerning the methods of operation of the System (collectively referred to as "Confidential Information");

WHEREAS, the Confidential Information provides economic advantages to Franchisor and licensed users of the System, including Franchisee;

WHEREAS, Franchisee has acknowledged the importance of restricting the use, access and dissemination of the Confidential Information, and Franchisee therefore has agreed to obtain from Covenantor a written agreement protecting the Confidential Information and further protecting the System against unfair competition; and

WHEREAS, Covenantor acknowledges that receipt of and the right to use the Confidential Information constitutes independent valuable consideration for the representations, promises and covenants made by Covenantor herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. Confidentiality Agreement.

  • a. Covenantor shall, at all times, maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information and shall use such Confidential Information only in the course of his or her employment by or association with Franchisee in connection with the operation of a Franchised Business under the Franchise Agreement.
  • b. Covenantor shall not at any time make copies of any documents or compilations containing some or all of the Confidential Information without Franchisor's express written permission.
  • c. Covenantor shall not at any time disclose or permit the disclosure of the Confidential Information except, and only then to the limited extent necessary, to those employees of Franchisee for training and assisting such employees in the operation of the Franchised Business.
  • d. Covenantor shall surrender any material containing some or all of the Confidential Information to Franchisee or Franchisor, upon request, or upon termination of employment or association with Franchisee.

  • e. Covenantor shall not at any time, directly or indirectly, do any act or omit to do any act that would or would likely be injurious or prejudicial to the goodwill associated with the System.
  • f. Covenantor agrees that no Confidential Information may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written consent.

2. Covenants Not to Compete.

  • a. In order to protect the goodwill and unique qualities of the System, and in consideration for the disclosure to Covenantor of the Confidential Information, Covenantor further agrees and covenants that during Covenantor's employment or association with Franchisee, Covenantor shall not, for Covenantor or through, on behalf of or in conjunction with any person or entity:
    • (i) divert, or attempt to divert, any business or customer of the Baya Bar outlet or of other franchisees in the System to any competitor, by direct or indirect inducement or otherwise, or
    • (ii) participate as an owner, partner, director, officer, employee, consultant or agent or serve in any other capacity in any café or business serving products similar to the System.
  • b. In further consideration for the disclosure to Covenantor of the Confidential Information and to protect the goodwill and unique qualities of the System, Covenantor further agrees and covenants that, upon the termination of Covenantor's employment or association with Franchisee and continuing for twenty-four (24) months thereafter, Covenantor shall not, for Covenantor or through, on behalf of or in conjunction with any person or entity:
    • (i) divert, or attempt to divert, any business or customer of the Franchised Business or of other franchisees in the Baya Bar System to any competitor, by direct or indirect inducement or otherwise, or
    • (ii) participate as an owner, partner, director, officer, employee, or consultant or serve in any other managerial, operational or supervisory capacity in any café or business serving products similar to the System within the within five (5) miles of Franchisee's Territory or any Baya Bar location.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 56)

What This Means (2024 FDD)

According to the 2024 Baya Bar Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must obtain a written agreement from anyone who has access to confidential information. This agreement protects Baya Bar's confidential information and safeguards the Baya Bar system against unfair competition. This written agreement is required from anyone associated with the franchisee who has access to confidential information, knowledge, know-how, techniques, contents of the Baya Bar operations manual and other materials related to the Baya Bar system.

The agreement ensures that these individuals, referred to as 'Covenantors,' maintain the confidentiality of the information and use it only for operating the Baya Bar franchise. Covenantors cannot copy confidential documents without Baya Bar's written permission. They can only disclose confidential information to employees for training and assisting in the franchise's operation. Upon request or termination of employment, Covenantors must return all materials containing confidential information to the franchisee or Baya Bar.

Additionally, Covenantors are prohibited from actions that could harm the goodwill associated with the Baya Bar system. They also agree not to reproduce any confidential information without written consent. During and for twenty-four months after their association with the franchisee, Covenantors are restricted from diverting business or customers to competitors and from participating in similar businesses within a specific radius. These measures collectively aim to protect Baya Bar's intellectual property and maintain the integrity of its franchise system.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2024 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.