Does the definition of 'Confidential Information' for a Belocal franchise include trademarks and trade names used by the franchisor?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
"Confidential Information" means information and know-how, oral, visual or written, and documents relating to Franchisor, its affiliate, the Franchised Business, and any publication furnished by Franchisor or its affiliates, or representatives of Franchisor, to Franchisee. Franchisor's Confidential Information includes, without limitation, all trademarks, trade names, service marks, emblems, and indicia of origin used by Franchisor in connection with the operation of the Franchised Business, and all trade secrets or know-how, including, but not limited to, research, plans, products, services, customer lists, supplier information, advertisers, business plans, marketing data and materials, software, electronic code, forms, processes, methods of operation, strategic information, financial information, manuals, and other business information disclosed to Franchisee by Franchisor or its representatives, as well as any data stored on or within the IT Systems.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 71)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of "Confidential Information" includes all trademarks and trade names used by Belocal in connection with the operation of the franchised business. This means that any information related to Belocal's trademarks, trade names, service marks, emblems, and indicia of origin is considered confidential.
As a Belocal franchisee, you are obligated to protect this information and only use it in conjunction with operating your franchise. You are prohibited from disclosing it to third parties unless required by law. If legally compelled to disclose confidential information, you must provide Belocal with prior written notice so they can seek a protective order or other remedy.
Upon termination, expiration, or transfer of the Franchise Agreement, you must promptly return all Confidential Information and any copies to Belocal. Any unauthorized attempt to upload, download, or copy Confidential Information, including client and advertiser details, can result in immediate termination of the agreement. This underscores the importance of safeguarding Belocal's proprietary information and adhering to the confidentiality terms outlined in the Franchise Agreement.