Does the competitive restriction after the HydroDog agreement terminates apply to my spouse or child?

According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the competitive restrictions placed upon the franchisee after the termination or expiration of the franchise agreement extend to the franchisee's owners and can include indirect interests through a spouse or child. Specifically, for a period of two years after the agreement ends, the franchisee and their owners are restricted from having any direct or indirect interest in a Competitive Business. This includes being a disclosed or beneficial owner, investor, partner, director, officer, employee, consultant, member, Manager, representative, or agent in any Competitive Business.

The restrictions apply within the franchisee's territory and can extend to within twenty-five miles of the territory or any other Hydrodog Business's territory in operation or under development. This broad definition aims to prevent franchisees from leveraging their knowledge and experience gained while operating a Hydrodog franchise to benefit a competing business, even through family members.

This clause is designed to protect Hydrodog's market position and confidential information. The FDD defines a "Competitive Business" broadly, encompassing businesses that offer similar pet-related products and services. Franchisees should carefully consider these restrictions and how they might impact their future business endeavors or their family members' activities after leaving the Hydrodog system. It is important to note that these restrictions are subject to applicable law and are intended to be enforced to the fullest extent permissible, while also ensuring that the franchisee is not unreasonably deprived of their ability to earn a living.