Must both Chicken Guy and the Developer sign a confidentiality agreement before participating in any mediation proceeding?

According to Chicken Guy's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, both Chicken Guy and the Developer must sign a confidentiality agreement before participating in any mediation proceeding. This requirement is in place to protect sensitive information that may be discussed during the mediation process.

This means that before a franchisee (Developer) and Chicken Guy engage in mediation to resolve a dispute, both parties are legally obligated to sign a confidentiality agreement. This agreement ensures that any information shared or discussed during the mediation remains private and cannot be disclosed to third parties. This is a standard practice in mediation to foster open and honest communication between the parties involved.

The confidentiality agreement aims to create a safe environment for negotiation and settlement discussions. By ensuring confidentiality, both Chicken Guy and the Developer can feel more comfortable sharing relevant information and exploring potential resolutions without fear of it being used against them outside of the mediation process. This promotes a more productive and collaborative approach to resolving disputes.

If either party fails to sign the confidentiality agreement, they would not be able to participate in the mediation. This requirement underscores the importance Chicken Guy places on maintaining confidentiality and protecting its proprietary information, as well as ensuring a fair and transparent dispute resolution process.