Who owns the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets related to the Bumble Roofing franchise?
Bumble_Roofing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
WHEREAS, Franchisor and its affiliates have developed a comprehensive system for the operation of a business which offers and sells roofing installation and repairs, and related products and services, for residential and commercial customers.
WHEREAS, Roofing Businesses are operated under a unique business system, including valuable know-how, information, Trade Secrets, Confidential Information, methods, Manual, standards, designs, methods of trademark usage, copyrights, sources and specifications, confidential electronic and other communications, methods of Internet usage, marketing programs, and research and development (the "System").
WHEREAS, the distinguishing characteristics of the System include the trademark "BUMBLE ROOFING" and other trademarks and trade names, confidential operating procedures, confidential Manual, standards and specifications for equipment, services and products, method of Internet usage, methods of service, management and marketing programs and sales techniques and strategies. All of these distinguishing characteristics may be changed, improved, and further developed by Franchisor from time to time. They are Franchisor's Confidential Information and Trade Secrets and are designated by and identified with the Marks described in this Agreement.
WHEREAS, Franchisor's affiliate, Lynx Franchising Intellectual Property, LLC ("Lynx IP") is the owner of certain trademarks and service marks associated with or related to the System, and which represent the System's high standards of quality, service and customer satisfaction, and Lynx IP has granted to Franchisor the right to use and sublicense others to use those trademarks and service marks.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumble Roofing's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bumble Roofing Franchisor, LLC owns the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets related to the Bumble Roofing franchise system. The FDD specifies that the distinguishing characteristics of the Bumble Roofing System, including the trademark "BUMBLE ROOFING", confidential operating procedures, the confidential manual, standards and specifications, methods of internet usage, service methods, and marketing programs, are all considered Bumble Roofing's Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. These characteristics may be changed or improved by Bumble Roofing from time to time.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that the methods and information that make Bumble Roofing unique are proprietary to the franchisor. Franchisees are granted the right to use this information as part of their franchise agreement, but they do not own it. This is a common arrangement in franchising, as it protects the brand's intellectual property and ensures consistency across all franchise locations.
The FDD also indicates that Lynx Franchising Intellectual Property, LLC ("Lynx IP") owns certain trademarks and service marks associated with the System and has granted Bumble Roofing the right to use and sublicense these marks. This arrangement is also typical in franchising, where a separate entity may hold the intellectual property and license it to the operating company.
As a franchisee, it is important to understand that you are licensing the right to use Bumble Roofing's Confidential Information and Trade Secrets, and you must adhere to the standards and procedures outlined in the franchise agreement and operating manual. Unauthorized use or disclosure of this information could have legal and financial consequences.