Does the Bonchon confidentiality agreement cover information about bookkeeping systems?
Bonchon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
I specifically understand that, without limitation, the following constitute Confidential Information of Franchisor: all products, services, equipment, technologies and procedures relating to the Bonchon System; all systems of operation, services, programs, products, procedures, policies, standards, techniques, specifications and criteria which now comprise or in the future may comprise a part of the Bonchon System; Franchisor's Confidential Operating Manual (as same may be amended from time to time); Supplements and/or amendments to the Manual; records pertaining to customers or billings; methods of advertising and promotion; customers; instructional materials; staff composition and organization systems; quality assurance programs; supervision systems; recommended services; recordkeeping systems and materials; bookkeeping systems and materials; business forms; product and service order forms; general operations materials; revenue reports; standards of interior and exterior design and decor; activity schedules; job descriptions; advertising, promotional and public relations materials/campaigns/guidelines/philosophy; specifications, systems, standards, techniques, philosophies and materials, guidelines, policies and procedures concerning the Bonchon System; additions to, deletions from, and modifications and variations of the components constituting the Bonchon System or the systems and methods of operations which are now, or may in the future, be employed by Franchisor, including all standards and specifications relating thereto and the means and manner of offering and selling same; and, all other components, specifications, standards, requirements and duties imposed by Franchisor or its Affiliates.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 92–536)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bonchon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the confidentiality agreement does cover information pertaining to bookkeeping systems. The FDD specifies that confidential information includes, without limitation, all systems of operation, services, programs, products, procedures, policies, standards, techniques, specifications, and criteria that now or in the future may comprise a part of the Bonchon System. It also explicitly mentions that 'bookkeeping systems and materials' are considered confidential information.
This means that as a Bonchon franchisee, you are obligated to protect the confidentiality of Bonchon's bookkeeping systems and materials. You cannot disclose this information to unauthorized parties or use it for your own benefit outside of operating your franchised Bonchon business. This restriction applies during the term of the franchise agreement and even after it expires or terminates.
The confidentiality extends to all aspects of Bonchon's bookkeeping, including the systems, materials, and any related documentation. Franchisees must not copy, duplicate, record, or reproduce any of this confidential information, nor store it in a computer retrieval system or database without authorization. Upon termination of the franchise agreement, all confidential information must be returned to Bonchon.
This level of protection is typical in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their proprietary systems and methods. For a prospective franchisee, this underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to the confidentiality terms outlined in the franchise agreement. Failure to comply with these terms could result in legal action or termination of the franchise agreement.