Who owns the confidential information related to the Chocolate Bash franchise?

According to the 2024 Chocolate Bash Franchise Disclosure Document, CB Franchising or its affiliates own all confidential information, except for information that CB Franchising licenses from another person or entity. The guarantor acknowledges that all customer data generated or obtained is confidential information belonging to CB Franchising.

This means that as a Chocolate Bash franchisee, you must treat all non-public information about the Chocolate Bash system, CB Franchising, and any Chocolate Bash business as confidential. This includes methods for operating the business, plans, data, financial information, processes, vendor pricing, supply systems, marketing systems, formulas, techniques, designs, layouts, operating procedures, customer data, information, and know-how. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of this information and only disclosing it to employees who need it to operate the business.

Franchisees cannot use confidential information in any other business or manner not authorized by CB Franchising. This obligation to protect confidential information continues even after the franchise agreement terminates or expires. The franchise agreement requires franchisees to adhere to security procedures, protect confidentiality, and report any unauthorized disclosure or use of confidential information. This obligation survives the termination or expiration of the Franchise Agreement indefinitely.