Does the definition of 'Confidential Information' for Goldfish Swim School include the identities of suppliers?
Goldfish_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- b) For the purposes of this Agreement "Confidential Information" means without limitation, business practices; copyrighted materials; trademarks; patents; applications; trade secrets; trade dress; instructional materials; descriptions of Goldfish's products and services; proposed products and services; computer software and hardware utilized by the System (as herein defined) and all information contained on such computer hardware and software; all data collected from customers and potential customers in connection with the Franchised Swim School; all Customer Personal Data; advertising materials; business plans; swim programs; swim curriculum and training manuals; employee compensation plans; identities of suppliers, customers and prospective customers; all specifications, sources of supply (or prospective sources) and all information pertaining to same (including wholesale pricing structures, contents of sourcing agreements and identity of suppliers), all procedures, systems, techniques and activities employed by Company or Franchisee in the offer and sale of products and/or services at or from the Franchised Swim School; prices and pricing policies; financial data; computer programs and software; floor plans; development schedules; development plans; systems; operations and procedures; the Company's Confidential Brand Standards Manual; Franchisee's final plans for construction, build-out, design, renovation, décor, equipment, signage, furniture, fixtures, and trade dress of the Franchised Swim School; and all other information provided to the Franchisee Parties from Franchisor.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 77–389)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Goldfish Swim School Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of "Confidential Information" explicitly includes the identities of suppliers. This means that as a franchisee, you are obligated to keep the identities of Goldfish Swim School's suppliers confidential. This extends not only to their names but also to specifications, sources of supply, wholesale pricing structures, contents of sourcing agreements, and any other information pertaining to the suppliers.
This confidentiality requirement is a standard practice in franchising, designed to protect the franchisor's relationships and competitive advantages. By keeping supplier information confidential, Goldfish Swim School prevents competitors from potentially undercutting their supply chain or replicating their products and services. For a franchisee, this means exercising caution in how you handle and share information related to suppliers, both internally with your staff and externally with other parties.
Failure to maintain the confidentiality of supplier information could have serious consequences, potentially leading to legal action from Goldfish Swim School. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Franchise Agreement and the Confidential Brand Standards Manual regarding confidential information. This includes implementing appropriate security measures to protect sensitive data and training your employees on their confidentiality obligations.