Where is the proprietary Know-how of Bigfoot Forestry disclosed to the franchisee?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
"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.
"Manual" means our confidential brand standards manual for the operation of a Bigfoot Forestry Business.
"Intellectual Property" means, collectively or individually, the Business Data, Copyrighted Materials, Improvements, Know-how, Marks and System.
As a result of this association, you may gain knowledge of our System and Know-how.
To avoid such damage, you agree to comply with the terms of this Agreement.
You agree to: (a) refrain from using the Intellectual Property or Confidential Information in any business or for any purpose other than the operation of Franchisee's Bigfoot Forestry Business; (b) maintain the confidentiality of Confidential Information at all times;
"Confidentiality Agreement" means the Confidentiality Agreement attached as ATTACHMENT "E" that your employees must sign.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–162)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bigfoot Forestry FDD, the brand's proprietary know-how is primarily disclosed within the confidential brand standards manual, referred to as the "Manual". This manual contains trade secrets and proprietary information related to the Bigfoot Forestry Business, including methods, techniques, standards, specifications, policies, procedures, supplier information, marketing strategies, merchandising strategies and other information comprising the System.
The FDD also defines Intellectual Property as collectively including Business Data, Copyrighted Materials, Improvements, Know-how, Marks and System. Franchisees and their employees or independent contractors may gain knowledge of the System and Know-how, but are required to protect this Intellectual Property, as it is vital to the success of Bigfoot Forestry and its franchisees.
To protect this information, Bigfoot Forestry requires that employees or independent contractors of the franchisee sign a Confidentiality Agreement, which is included as Attachment E to the Franchise Agreement. This agreement ensures that individuals associated with the franchisee refrain from using the Intellectual Property or Confidential Information in any business or for any purpose other than the operation of the franchisee's Bigfoot Forestry Business and maintain the confidentiality of Confidential Information at all times.