Is the City Wide Operating Manual considered confidential information?
City_Wide Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 8.3 The Operating Manual contains proprietary information of CITY WIDE and is considered Confidential Information (as defined in Section 9). The Operating Manual will be kept confidential by Franchisee both during and after the expiration or termination of this Agreement. For the elimination of doubt, the entire Operating Manual is designated as confidential.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Operating Manual is considered confidential information. City Wide will provide the franchisee with access to the current confidential Operating Manual during the term of the agreement. This manual contains mandatory specifications, standards, operating procedures, and rules for the franchised business. City Wide retains the right to modify the Operating Manual, provided that such changes do not alter the franchisee's fundamental rights under the agreement.
The Operating Manual remains the sole property of City Wide, and the franchisee must cease using and destroy all copies upon termination of the agreement. The franchisee is prohibited from disclosing, duplicating, or using any portion of the Operating Manual in an unauthorized manner. This obligation to keep the Operating Manual confidential extends both during and after the term of the franchise agreement.
Failure to comply with the specifications and standards outlined in the Operating Manual constitutes a material breach of the agreement. If the franchisee fails to correct such a breach within thirty days of receiving written notice from City Wide, City Wide has the right to terminate the franchise agreement. This underscores the importance of adhering to the guidelines and procedures detailed in the Operating Manual to maintain compliance and avoid potential termination of the franchise agreement.