Does the Degree Wellness agreement allow for verbal consent for disclosing confidential information?

According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement does not allow for verbal consent regarding the disclosure of confidential information. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of written agreements to protect such information.

Degree Wellness requires franchisees to ensure that their employees and independent contractors sign a written agreement, in a form approved by Degree Wellness, to maintain the confidentiality of the franchisor's confidential information, proprietary information, and trade secrets as described in Paragraph 9.1 of the franchise agreement. The franchisee must also forward a copy of each signed agreement to Degree Wellness. This requirement underscores the franchisor's commitment to safeguarding its proprietary assets through formal, documented consent rather than relying on verbal agreements.

This practice is common in franchising, where franchisors typically require franchisees and their staff to sign confidentiality agreements to protect sensitive business information. The Degree Wellness franchise agreement reflects this standard by mandating written agreements and emphasizing the franchisee's responsibility to enforce these agreements among their personnel. This ensures that all parties with access to confidential information are legally bound to protect it, reducing the risk of unauthorized disclosure or misuse.