Does Dryject consider the information in the Dryject Manual to be confidential trade secrets?
Dryject Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We treat the information in the Manual as confidential trade secrets. We claim copyright in our written material, but you are permitted to use the material as part of the Franchised Business.
You must operate your Franchised Business strictly according to the Manual, as revised periodically. You must at all times treat the Manual and the information in it as confidential, according to the requirements of the Franchise Agreement.
Confidential Information. You must maintain all Confidential Information as confidential both during and after the term of the Franchise Agreement. "Confidential Information" includes all information, data, techniques and know-how designated or treated by us as confidential and includes the Manual. You may not at any time disclose, copy or use any Confidential Information except as specifically authorized by us. Under the Franchise Agreement, you agree that all information, data, techniques and know-how developed or assembled by you or your employees or agents during the term of the Franchise Agreement and relating to the System will be deemed a part of the Confidential Information protected under the Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 36–37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dryject's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Dryject considers the information within its Manual to be confidential trade secrets. Franchisees are permitted to use the material as part of their franchised business, but Dryject claims copyright in its written material.
Dryject emphasizes the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of the Manual and its contents. Franchisees must operate their Dryject business strictly according to the Manual, as it is periodically revised. Franchisees must treat the Manual and the information within it as confidential, adhering to the requirements outlined in the Franchise Agreement.
The Franchise Agreement specifies that all information, data, techniques, and know-how designated or treated by Dryject as confidential, including the Manual, constitutes "Confidential Information." Franchisees are prohibited from disclosing, copying, or using any Confidential Information except when specifically authorized by Dryject. Furthermore, any information, data, techniques, and know-how developed or assembled by the franchisee or their employees or agents during the term of the Franchise Agreement and relating to the Dryject system will also be considered part of the Confidential Information protected under the Franchise Agreement.