What information is NOT considered Confidential Information for a Dog Haus franchise?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Dog Haus Confidential Information does not include any information that was in the lawful and unrestricted possession of Area Developer prior to its disclosure by Franchisor; is or becomes generally available to the public by acts other than those of Area Developer after receiving it; has been received lawfully and in good faith by Area Developer from a third party who did not derive it from Franchisor or Area Developer; or is shown by acceptable evidence to have been independently developed by Area Developer.
Confidential Information does not include any information that was in the lawful and unrestricted possession of Candidate prior to its disclosure by Franchisor; is or becomes generally available to the public by acts other than those of Candidate after receiving it; has been received lawfully and in good faith by Candidate from a third party who did not derive it from Franchisor or Candidate; or is shown by acceptable evidence to have been independently developed by Candidate.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 87–328)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, certain types of information are excluded from being considered confidential. This includes information that the Area Developer (or Candidate, in some contexts) already legally possessed without restrictions before the franchisor disclosed it. It also covers information that becomes publicly available through means other than the Area Developer's actions after they receive it.
Additionally, information that the Area Developer lawfully receives in good faith from a third party who did not obtain it from Dog Haus or the Area Developer is not considered confidential. Finally, information that the Area Developer can prove they independently developed is also excluded from confidential information.
For a prospective Dog Haus franchisee, this means that if they have prior knowledge, or independently develop certain methods or information, they are not obligated to keep it confidential, provided it meets the specific conditions outlined in the FDD. This is a fairly standard clause in franchise agreements, ensuring that franchisees are not unduly restricted from using generally known information or their own innovations.