When ceasing to be a Deck Medic franchisee, am I allowed to retain copies of the franchise agreement?
Deck_Medic Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- (4) Return to Franchisor the Operations Manual (including any and all parts, supplements, and copies of the Operations Manual), the Confidential Information (including without limitation the Business Management System Data and all customer lists and information), and all other confidential materials, equipment, software, information, and property owned by Franchisor and all copies thereof provided, however, that Franchisee may retain Franchisee's copies of this Agreement, correspondence between Franchisor and Franchisee, but not including Confidential Information that may be contained in or attached thereto, and other documents that Franchisee needs to retain pursuant to applicable law;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–228)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Deck Medic's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, upon termination of the franchise agreement, franchisees may retain copies of the franchise agreement and correspondence between the franchisor and franchisee. However, this does not include any confidential information that may be contained in or attached to these documents. Franchisees must also retain other documents that they need to keep pursuant to applicable law.
This clause ensures that franchisees have access to important documents for their records, while protecting Deck Medic's confidential business information. It is a fairly standard practice in franchising to allow franchisees to keep a copy of their franchise agreement after the relationship ends.
However, franchisees should be aware that they must not retain any confidential information belonging to Deck Medic, even if it is attached to the franchise agreement or other permitted documents. Franchisees should carefully review all documents they retain to ensure compliance with this requirement.