Who owns the Gold Star Manual?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 4. Loan you 1 copy of the then-current Gold Star Manual (the Manual includes the Operations Manual, Management Manual and other manuals and materials provided pursuant to Section 3 of the Franchise Agreement). You will receive a copy of the Manual after you and Gold Star enter into the Franchise Agreement or we will make the Manual available to you through the internet or other digital medium. The Manual is confidential and remains the property of Gold Star (Sections 3.1 and 3.2 of the Franchise Agreement).
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 26–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Gold Star Manual, which includes the Operations Manual, Management Manual, and other materials, remains the property of Gold Star. Franchisees are loaned one copy of the then-current manual after entering into the Franchise Agreement, or Gold Star may make it available through the internet or other digital medium.
This means that while franchisees have access to the Gold Star Manual to help them operate their franchise, they do not own it. They are essentially borrowing the information and must keep it confidential. This is a common practice in franchising, as the operations manual contains proprietary information that is essential to maintaining brand standards and consistency across all franchise locations.
The franchisee's access to the manual is tied to their franchise agreement. If the agreement is terminated, the franchisee would likely be required to return the manual or cease accessing it digitally. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the terms of the Franchise Agreement regarding the use and confidentiality of the Gold Star Manual.