According to the Buildingstars FDD, what is the definition of 'Confidential Information'?
Buildingstars Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[Item 22: CONTRACTS]
IX. TRADE SECRETS AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
FRANCHISEE shall not, during the term of this Agreement, or after the Transfer, termination or expiration, communicate or divulge to anyone, any information or knowledge concerning the products, services, standards, procedures, techniques, sales information, profit margins, marketing procedures, expansion plans, Customers, rates, fees and terms, databases, or such other information that gives BUILDINGSTARS' Affiliate, BUILDINGSTARS and FRANCHISEE a competitive advantage over those who do not know it, and other information or material which BUILDINGSTARS may designate as confidential, nor shall FRANCHISEE disclose or divulge in whole or in part any trade secrets or operating procedures of BUILDINGSTARS or its Affiliates, Customer lists, Customer contracts, sales and promotional information, employee lists, supplier and vendor information, information regarding real property management companies or commercial real estate owners affiliated with or related to any Customer, customer account, or any commercial real estate for which BUILDINGSTARS, its Affiliates, FRANCHISEE or any other franchisee has provided commercial cleaning services; pricing information; financial information furnished or disclosed to FRANCHISEE by BUILDINGSTARS or its Affiliates and any other information with respect to BUILDINGSTARS, unless such information is generally known and in the public domain, and except to the extent necessary to operate the Business ("Confidential Information"). FRANCHISEE will exercise the highest degree of diligence and make every effort to maintain the absolute confidentiality of all trade secrets and proprietary rights during and after the term of this Agreement and will endeavor to insure that its employees will also comply.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD page 28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buildingstars' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Confidential Information encompasses a wide array of data and knowledge that provides Buildingstars, its affiliates, and its franchisees with a competitive edge. This information is not to be disclosed by the franchisee during the term of the agreement or after its transfer, termination, or expiration.
Confidential Information includes details about products, services, standards, procedures, techniques, sales information, profit margins, marketing procedures, expansion plans, customers, rates, fees, terms, and databases. It also covers trade secrets, operating procedures, customer lists, customer contracts, sales and promotional information, employee lists, supplier and vendor information, and data related to real property management companies or commercial real estate owners affiliated with Buildingstars' customers. Pricing and financial information furnished to the franchisee by Buildingstars or its affiliates also fall under this definition.
The definition excludes information that is generally known and in the public domain, as well as information necessary to operate the Buildingstars business. Franchisees are expected to exercise a high degree of diligence to maintain the confidentiality of all trade secrets and proprietary rights, ensuring their employees also comply with these requirements. This obligation extends both during and after the term of the Franchise Agreement.
This broad definition of Confidential Information underscores the importance Buildingstars places on protecting its proprietary assets and competitive advantage. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider the scope of this definition and the obligations it imposes, particularly regarding post-termination restrictions on disclosing such information.