Is the Dryject Manual considered part of the Confidential Information that franchisees must protect?

According to Dryject's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Dryject Manual is explicitly considered Confidential Information that franchisees must protect. Franchisees receive a controlled copy of the Manual after completing initial training and must operate their franchised business strictly according to its guidelines, as revised periodically.

The FDD emphasizes that franchisees must treat the Manual and the information within it as confidential at all times, both during and after the term of the Franchise Agreement. This means franchisees cannot disclose, copy, or use any Confidential Information, including the Manual, unless specifically authorized by Dryject. All information, data, techniques, and know-how developed or assembled by the franchisee or their employees relating to the Dryject system are also considered part of the Confidential Information.

This requirement is typical in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their proprietary systems and methods. The Dryject Manual contains the specific standards, methods, policies, and procedures that define the Dryject brand and operational model. Franchisees must use reasonable efforts to maintain this information as secret and confidential and must not copy, duplicate, record, or otherwise make it available to any unauthorized person. The Manual remains Dryject's sole property and must be returned when the franchisee ceases to be a Franchise Owner.

Dryject may periodically revise the contents of the Manual, and franchisees must comply with each new or changed standard, ensuring the Manual is kept current. In the event of any dispute as to the contents of the Manual, the terms of the master copies maintained by Dryject at its principal office will be controlling. This underscores the importance of adhering to the most up-to-date version of the Manual to maintain compliance and consistency within the Dryject franchise system.