What specific trade secrets will a City Wide prospect have access to?
City_Wide Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Prospect will have access to and become acquainted with various trade secrets and trade sources, consisting of patterns, operational systems and compilations of information, records, and specifications which are owned by CITY WIDE, and which are regularly used in the operation of a Franchised Business. Prospect will not disclose any of the previously mentioned trade secrets, directly or indirectly, or use them in any way, at any time, except as required business dealings between CITY WIDE and Prospect.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a prospective franchisee ('Prospect') will have access to various trade secrets and trade sources. These trade secrets consist of patterns, operational systems, and compilations of information, records, and specifications owned by City Wide. These trade secrets are regularly used in the operation of a franchised business.
The Franchise Agreement emphasizes the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of this information. The franchisee's knowledge of operating a franchised business, including specifications, standards, and operating procedures, is derived from information disclosed by City Wide and is considered confidential and proprietary. Franchisees must maintain absolute confidentiality during and after the term of the agreement and cannot use this information in any other business without written authorization from City Wide.
City Wide will provide franchisees with access to its current confidential Operating Manual, which contains mandatory specifications, standards, operating procedures, and rules for the franchised business. This manual includes information relative to the franchisee's obligations and the operation of the business. The Operating Manual remains the sole property of City Wide, and franchisees must cease using and destroy any copies upon termination of the agreement. Failure to follow the specifications and standards in the Operating Manual constitutes a material breach of the Franchise Agreement.
It is important to note that City Wide makes no representation or warranty regarding the validity or enforceability of any trade secret. The franchisee is responsible for ensuring that their employees who have access to confidential information also execute a confidentiality agreement. Franchisees should be aware of the specific exceptions to confidentiality, such as information previously known to them or information generally known in the trade, provided they notify City Wide of these exceptions within thirty days of disclosure.