What does Goldfish Swim School agree to disclose to franchisees regarding concepts and developments of other franchisees?
Goldfish_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
All ideas, concepts, techniques or materials concerning the System or developed, in whole or in part, using Trade Secrets or other Confidential Information, whether or not protectable intellectual property and whether created by or for Developer or its owners or employees, shall be promptly disclosed to Franchisor and shall be deemed the sole and exclusive property of Franchisor and works made-for-hire for Franchisor, and no compensation shall be due to Developer or its owners or employees therefore, and Developer hereby agrees to assign to Franchisor all right, title and interest in any intellectual property so developed.
Franchisor has the right to incorporate such items into the System.
To the extent any item does not qualify as a "work made-for-hire" for Franchisor, Developer shall assign, and by this Agreement, does assign, ownership of that item, and all related rights to that item, to Franchisor and shall sign any assignment or other document as Franchisor requests to assist Franchisor in obtaining or preserving intellectual property rights in the item.
Franchisor shall disclose to Developer concepts and developments of other franchisees that are made part of the System.
As Franchisor may reasonably request, Developer shall take all actions to assist Franchisor's efforts to obtain or maintain intellectual property rights in any item or process related to the System, whether developed by Developer or not.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 51–52)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Goldfish Swim School Franchise Disclosure Document, Goldfish Swim School agrees to disclose to franchisees concepts and developments from other franchisees that are incorporated into the Goldfish Swim School system. This means that if another franchisee develops a new idea, concept, technique, or material related to the Goldfish Swim School system, and Goldfish Swim School decides to integrate it into the overall system, they will inform the other franchisees about it.
This disclosure ensures that all franchisees benefit from the collective knowledge and innovation within the Goldfish Swim School franchise network. By sharing successful concepts and developments, Goldfish Swim School aims to improve the system as a whole and enhance the performance of individual franchise locations. This collaborative approach can lead to better operational practices, improved customer experiences, and increased profitability for franchisees.
However, it's important to note that any ideas, concepts, techniques, or materials developed by a franchisee using Goldfish Swim School's trade secrets or confidential information automatically become the property of Goldfish Swim School. Franchisees are required to promptly disclose such developments to Goldfish Swim School, and no compensation is provided for these contributions. Goldfish Swim School has the right to incorporate these items into the system, and franchisees must assist Goldfish Swim School in obtaining or maintaining intellectual property rights related to these developments.