According to Budget's manual, who is authorized to use its contents?
Budget Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
have to change the System to preserve and enhance the image of the Network, to accommodate consumer tastes and/or to maintain or enhance the efficiency and profitability of System licensees and operators. Accordingly, Budget may change any of the elements of the System (including by introducing new Marks, products, reservation systems, other services and Standards) and, on notice from Budget, Licensee will promptly accept and implement all such changes at Licensee's expense and in accordance with the schedule prescribed by Budget.
BUDGET MANUAL
During the term of this Agreement, Budget will grant Licensee access to the Manual. For purposes of this Agreement, "Manual" means manuals or policies and procedures, Standards, specifications and requirements relating to the Rental Business, as Budget specifies. The Manual may be revised,
changed, modified or supplemented by Budget at any time. Modifications in the Manual will become effective thirty (30) days after written notice thereof to Licensee, unless a longer period is specified in such written notice. The Manual also includes training manuals, development manuals and other business manuals as may be prepared for use by Budget licensees. The Manual may be in printed and/or electronic format and may include audiotapes, videotapes, information available on an Internet site or other electronic media. It may also consist of several component parts and materials Budget may issue, including bulletins, handbooks, newsletters, computer-based and computer-transmitted information. The Manual is confidential and will remain Budget's exclusive property and may not be duplicated, shared or re-distributed. The Manual will be an integral part of this Agreement and references made in this Agreement or in any amendments, exhibits or schedules hereto to the Manual will be deemed to mean the Manual as current. In the event of a dispute relative to the contents of the Manual, the master copies maintained by Budget at its principal office will be controlling.
INSTRUCTION AND OPERATING ASSISTANCE
- 4.1 Pre-opening Instruction. Prior to the opening of the Rental Business (or commencement of operations as a result of a transfer), Budget will furnish, and the General Manager (as described in Paragraph 9.1 and the Summary Pages (Section 5)) and such other employees of Licensee as are approved by Budget will attend and complete a comprehensive training program for the operation of a Rental Business, and any additional required courses, to Budget's satisfaction. The instruction will be furnished at the time and place and in such manner as designated by Budget. Should travel be required, Licensee will pay all travel and living expenses incurred by the General Manager and any of its other employees receiving the instruction.
- 4.2 Operating Assistance and Training; Correcting Deficiencies.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 80–426)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Budget's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, access to the Budget manual is granted to the Licensee during the term of the Franchise Agreement. The manual contains critical information such as policies, procedures, standards, specifications, and requirements related to the rental business. Budget retains the right to revise, change, modify, or supplement the manual at any time, with changes becoming effective 30 days after written notice to the Licensee, unless a longer period is specified.
The manual is considered confidential and remains Budget's exclusive property, meaning it cannot be duplicated, shared, or redistributed. The manual is an integral part of the Franchise Agreement, and any references to it within the agreement or its amendments refer to the most current version of the manual. In case of disputes regarding the manual's contents, the master copies maintained by Budget at its principal office will be controlling.
Furthermore, the Licensee acknowledges that all materials made available by Budget, including the contents of the manual, are communicated confidentially and considered trade secrets. The Licensee is obligated to maintain the confidentiality of these documents both during and after the term of the agreement. The Licensee may only disclose the contents of the manual to its partners, shareholders, officers, and employees on a need-to-know basis, provided they also commit to maintaining confidentiality. The manual can only be used for the operation of the Rental Business.