What actions are prohibited under the non-competition covenants after the Devon Creek franchise is terminated or expires?
Devon_Creek Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
| Section in | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise | |||
| Provision | Agreement | Summary | |
| n. | Franchisor's right of first refusal to acquire franchisee's business | Section 16.6 | Summary You must promptly notify us of any written offer to purchase your Franchise. We have fifteen (15) days to exercise our first right to buy it on the same terms and conditions, provided that (a) we may substitute cash for any other consideration, (b) we may pay the entire purchase price at closing, (c) our credit is deemed as good as the proposed purchaser, |
| Enoughison's oution to muchoso | Section 18.2 | (d) we have at least thirty (30) days to close and (e) you shall give us all customary seller's representations and warranties. | |
| 0. | Franchisor's option to purchase franchisee's business | Upon termination of the Franchise Agreement, we have the option to purchase your equipment, signs, advertising materials, supplies and inventory at your cost or fair market value, whichever is less. | |
| p. | Death or disability of franchisee | Sections 16.3, 16.4 and 16.7 | The Franchise Agreement will terminate automatically upon your death or permanent disability, unless prohibited by law and the Franchise is transferred within three (3) months to a replacement franchisee that we approve. |
| q. | Non-competition covenants during the term of the franchise | Section 19.5.1 | You may not: divert, or attempt to divert, customers or referral sources of any Devon Creek outlet (including yours) to any competitor, participate in any capacity, including, but not limited to as an owner, investor, officer, director, employee, or agent, in any competing business; do any act that could damage the goodwill of the Marks or System, or disrupt or jeopardize our business or that of our franchisees. Subject to state law. |
| r. | Non-competition covenants after the franchise is terminated or expires | Section 19.5.2 | For twenty four (24) months after the termination of the Franchise Agreement, you may not: divert, or attempt to divert, customers or referral sources of any Devon Creek outlet (including yours) to any competitor, participate in any capacity, including, but not limited to as an owner, investor, officer, director, employee or agent, in any competing business within ten (25) miles of your former Devon Creek Territory or any other Devon Creek office location; do any act that could damage the goodwill of the Marks or System, or disrupt or jeopardize our business or that of our franchisees. Subject to state law. |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 37–42)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Devon Creek's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, after the franchise agreement is terminated or expires, franchisees are subject to certain non-competition covenants for a period of twenty-four months. During this time, the franchisee is restricted from specific actions to protect Devon Creek's business interests. These restrictions are subject to state law.
Specifically, a former Devon Creek franchisee cannot divert or attempt to divert customers or referral sources from any Devon Creek outlet, including their former location, to any competitor. This prevents the franchisee from leveraging their knowledge and relationships gained during their time with Devon Creek to unfairly compete against the franchise system.
Additionally, the franchisee is prohibited from participating in any capacity, such as an owner, investor, officer, director, employee, or agent, in any competing business within ten miles of their former Devon Creek territory or any other Devon Creek office location. This clause aims to prevent the franchisee from directly engaging in a competing business that could draw customers away from existing Devon Creek locations. The franchisee also cannot perform any action that could damage the goodwill of the Devon Creek Marks or System, or disrupt or jeopardize Devon Creek's business or that of its franchisees.
These non-competition covenants are in place to protect Devon Creek's market share, brand reputation, and franchisee network. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these restrictions and how they might impact their future business opportunities after leaving the Devon Creek system.