Does Fitstop consider its manuals and forms as part of its proprietary trade secret rights?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We claim proprietary trade secret rights in information like lists and files, and other compilations of information pertaining to the Franchise System, which information includes (a) our manuals and forms, the information contained and compiled in the manuals and forms, and the updates and memoranda relating to the manuals and forms; (b) names of our agents, suppliers, and customers, and their requirements, specifications, and preferences; (c) the contractual arrangements between us and our agents, suppliers, and customers; (d) the financial details (including but not limited to credit and discount terms) of our relationship with our agents, suppliers, or customers; (e) the names of prospective customers and their requirements, specifications, and preferences; (f) information concerning the remuneration paid by us to our employees; (g) our computer software and any part of its coding; (h) information concerning and presented at our meetings; (i) security and access information; (j) information provided through initial and ongoing specialized training; (k) our business plans and strategies; and (l) similar information.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 50–135)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Fitstop asserts proprietary trade secret rights over various types of information related to the franchise system. This includes manuals and forms, the information contained within them, and any updates or memoranda pertaining to these documents.
This means that Fitstop franchisees must treat these manuals and forms as confidential and take precautions to prevent their dissemination to the public. The franchisee does not own this information, and it remains the property of Fitstop.
This protection extends to operational, sales, promotional, and marketing methods and techniques, as well as lists, files, and other compilations of information related to the Fitstop franchise system. Other information considered trade secrets includes lists of agents, suppliers, and customers, contractual arrangements, financial details, customer information, employee remuneration, software, meeting information, security protocols, training materials, and business plans.