Does the definition of 'Confidential Information' for Boulder Designs include system standards and specifications?
Boulder_Designs Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- "Confidential Information" means all technical and non-technical information used in or related to BOULDER DESIGNS Businesses including but not limited to current, former, and prospect client list and related information and not commonly known by or available to the public, including, without limitation, Trade Secrets, system standards and specifications, all information contained in the franchise manual, proprietary processing table with mailbox jig, texture mats and accessories, financial information, marketing data, vendor and supplier list, and all other knowledge and know-hows, and any other information identified as confidential when delivered by Franchisor.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Boulder Designs' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of 'Confidential Information' does include system standards and specifications. This means that as a franchisee, you are obligated to protect and maintain the confidentiality of these standards and specifications. This obligation extends both during the term of the franchise agreement and even after it expires, is not renewed, or is terminated.
The FDD specifies that 'Confidential Information' encompasses all technical and non-technical information related to Boulder Designs' businesses that are not publicly known. This includes, but isn't limited to, trade secrets, system standards and specifications, information within the franchise manual, proprietary processing tables, texture mats and accessories, financial information, marketing data, vendor and supplier lists, and any other information identified as confidential by Boulder Designs.
As a franchisee, you must ensure that all individuals who have access to the confidential information, such as employees, sign a confidentiality agreement. You are also responsible for maintaining the franchise manual in a secure manner, whether it's in paper or electronic form, and preventing unauthorized disclosure or duplication of its contents. This is a common practice in franchising to protect the brand's competitive advantage and proprietary knowledge.