Does the Deer Solution franchise agreement define the term 'Confidential'?
Deer_Solution Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
"Confidential Information" refers to and means all of our and/or our affiliates trade secrets, methods, standards, techniques, procedures, data and information, as same may exist as of the Effective Date of the Franchise Agreement and as same may be developed, modified and supplemented in the future, constituting and comprising: (a) methods, specifications, standards, policies, procedures, information, concepts, programs and systems relating to the development, establishment, marketing, promotion and operation of Deer Solution Businesses; (b) information concerning consumer preferences for services, products, materials and supplies used or sold by, and specifications for and knowledge of suppliers of certain materials, equipment, products, supplies and procedures used or sold by Deer Solution Businesses; (c) information concerning customers, customer lists, email lists, database lists, product sales, operating results, financial performance and other financial data of Deer Solution Businesses; (d) customer lists and information related to Deer Solution Businesses and the Franchised Business; (e) Business Management System Data; (f) current and future information contained in the Operations Manual; and (g) Know-How.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 55–246)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Deer Solution's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the term "Confidential Information" is explicitly defined within the agreement. The definition encompasses a wide array of proprietary assets belonging to Deer Solution and its affiliates. This includes trade secrets, methodologies, standards, techniques, procedures, data, and information that exist both at the time of the agreement and those developed later.
The definition of "Confidential Information" includes methods, specifications, standards, policies, procedures, information, concepts, programs, and systems relating to the development, establishment, marketing, promotion, and operation of Deer Solution Businesses. It also covers information regarding consumer preferences, specifications for materials, knowledge of suppliers, customer lists, email lists, database lists, product sales, operating results, financial performance, and other financial data. Furthermore, it includes Business Management System Data, current and future information in the Operations Manual, and Know-How.
As a Deer Solution franchisee, understanding this definition is crucial because it outlines what information must be protected both during the term of the agreement and after its expiration or termination. Franchisees are obligated to maintain the confidentiality of this information, prevent unauthorized copies, and take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure. This obligation extends to the franchisee's owners, spouses, directors, officers, employees, and agents who have access to the Confidential Information and have signed a confidentiality agreement.