What duplication of the City Wide system is the franchisee prohibited from?

According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from duplicating the City Wide system and software. This restriction extends to any part of the City Wide system or operating manual, ensuring that franchisees do not replicate the established business model or disclose proprietary information. This measure protects the integrity and uniqueness of the City Wide franchise system.

This prohibition is further reinforced by the franchisee's acknowledgment that their knowledge of the franchised business is derived from City Wide and that certain information is proprietary, confidential, and considered a trade secret. Trade secrets encompass business records, know-how, methods, specifications, processes, procedures, and improvements not generally known to City Wide's competitors. Franchisees must maintain absolute confidentiality during and after the franchise term, preventing them from using this information in any unauthorized manner.

However, the obligation to maintain confidentiality has exceptions. It does not include information previously known by the franchisee, information disclosed by a third party not under a duty of confidentiality, or information generally known in the pertinent trade. Information is deemed generally known only if the full particulars of the proprietary information are well-known or generally used within the industry. This balance ensures that franchisees are not unduly restricted from using commonly available knowledge while still protecting City Wide's unique business practices.