Does the definition of 'Competitive Business' for Deer Solution extend beyond the immediate geographic area of the franchise?
Deer_Solution Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
nal parks and facilities, schools, colleges, malls, and limited access venues.
- "Closed Market" refers to and means any and all Captive Market and Corporate Account customers that presently, or in the future, are located within Franchisee's Operating Territory.
- "Competitive Business" refers to and means any business that is the same as or similar to a Deer Solution Business including, but not limited to, any business that offers and/or provides services and/or products relating to deer repellent services, deer damage control and repair.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 55–246)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Deer Solution's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of a 'Competitive Business' does not explicitly define restrictions based on geographic area. However, the document does define 'Franchisee's Operating Territory' which is set forth in the Franchise Agreement.
The FDD states that a 'Competitive Business' includes any business that is the same as or similar to a Deer Solution business, offering deer repellent services, deer damage control, and repair. During the franchise term, it also includes businesses offering lawn care or landscaping services. This definition focuses on the nature of the business activities rather than geographic limitations.
While the definition itself doesn't specify geographic boundaries, other sections of the FDD, such as those discussing marketing restrictions and operating territories, suggest that there are limitations on where a franchisee can actively market their services. Specifically, franchisees are restricted from marketing outside of their operating territory. Therefore, while the definition of 'Competitive Business' is broad, the practical application of these restrictions is limited to the franchisee's designated operating territory.