During what period can a Bigfoot Forestry franchisee utilize the Know-how?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
erty; (b) challenge to your use of the Intellectual Property; or (c) claim by any Person, other than us or our affiliate, of any rights
in or to the Intellectual Property.
- "Know-how" means and includes our (and our affiliates') trade secrets and other proprietary information relating to the development, marketing or operation of a Bigfoot Forestry Business including: methods and techniques; standards and specifications; policies and procedures; supplier lists and information; marketing strategies; merchandising strategies; and information comprising the System or included in the Manual.
- "Law" means and includes all laws, judgments, decrees, orders, rules, regulations, ordinances, advisory opinions or official legal interpretations of any Governmental Authority.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–162)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bigfoot Forestry FDD, the franchisee can utilize the Know-how during the Term of the agreement. The FDD defines Know-how as the trade secrets and proprietary information related to the Bigfoot Forestry Business's development, marketing, and operation. This includes methods, techniques, standards, specifications, policies, procedures, supplier lists, marketing strategies, merchandising strategies, and information within the System or Manual.
The Term is defined as the period beginning on the Effective Date of the agreement and expiring on the earlier of two dates: either the opening date listed in the Development Schedule for the last Bigfoot Forestry Business the franchisee is required to open, or the date the agreement is effectively terminated. This means the franchisee's right to use Bigfoot Forestry's Know-how lasts from the start of the agreement until either the final required location opens or the agreement ends, whichever comes first.
This definition is important for prospective franchisees because it clarifies the duration for which they are authorized to use Bigfoot Forestry's confidential business information. After the Term expires or the agreement is terminated, the franchisee no longer has the right to use the Know-how. This is a standard practice in franchising, as the franchisor needs to protect its proprietary information and ensure it is only used by authorized franchisees during the active franchise relationship.