What is a Hardees franchisee required to do if they discover any unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information?

According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee has specific obligations upon discovering any unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information. The franchisee must immediately notify CKR, which appears to be Hardees's parent company or a related entity, upon discovering any prohibited use or disclosure of confidential information.

Furthermore, the franchisee is required to fully cooperate with CKR to help them regain possession of the confidential information. This cooperation extends to preventing any further prohibited use or disclosure of the confidential information. This requirement emphasizes the importance Hardees places on protecting its trade secrets and proprietary information.

This obligation is in place to ensure that Hardees can act swiftly to mitigate any potential damage resulting from the unauthorized use or disclosure of its confidential information. By mandating immediate notification and full cooperation, Hardees aims to maintain control over its sensitive data and prevent further breaches of confidentiality. This is a standard practice in franchising, as franchisors heavily rely on protecting their intellectual property and operational methods.