What does a Canine Dimensions franchisee agree to regarding the confidentiality of the Confidential Information after the Franchise Agreement terminates?

According to Canine Dimensions's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are obligated to maintain the secrecy and confidentiality of the Confidential Information both during their time as a franchisee and after the termination of the Franchise Agreement. This obligation extends indefinitely, regardless of the reason for termination, whether voluntary or involuntary. Franchisees must not reveal, disclose, divulge, or make known to any person or entity, or copy or use for their own account, any of the Confidential Information.

The Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, price lists, marketing plans and strategies, proprietary computer software, customer lists, information contained in the Confidential Manual, forms, instructions, processes, procedures, graphics, pictures, diagrams associated with operation of the Franchised Business, and suppliers and vendors of Canine Dimensions. This broad definition means that franchisees must be extremely careful about what information they share, even after they are no longer associated with the franchise.

This type of confidentiality agreement is standard in franchising to protect the franchisor's proprietary information and maintain a competitive advantage. Prospective Canine Dimensions franchisees should carefully review the definition of "Confidential Information" to fully understand the scope of their obligations. They should also consider how this might impact their future business activities, particularly if they plan to remain in the same industry after leaving the Canine Dimensions system. It is advisable to seek legal counsel to fully understand the implications of this clause.