factual

What does the 'Confidential Information' include regarding the operation of the Hyper Kidz System?

Hyper_Kidz Franchise · 2024 FDD

Answer from 2024 FDD Document

Works and/or for you to use one or more additional or substitute copyrighted or copyrightable items, you agree to immediately comply with our directions to modify or otherwise discontinue the use of the copyrighted materials and/or to use one or more substitute materials.

ARTICLE 8: CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

8.1 Definition of "Confidential Information"

We possess and will further develop and acquire "Confidential Information" including, but not limited to, the following categories of information, methods, techniques, procedures, and knowledge developed or to be developed by us, our Affiliates and/or franchisees:

  • (a) methods, techniques, specifications, standards, policies, procedures, information, concepts and systems relating to and knowledge of and experience in the development, operation, and franchising of Hyper Kidz Businesses;
    • (b) marketing and promotional programs for Hyper Kidz Businesses;
  • (c) knowledge of specifications for and knowledge of suppliers of certain materials, equipment and fixtures for Hyper Kidz Businesses;
    • (d) the terms of this Agreement;
    • (e) the Operations Manual; and
    • (f) all data relating to the sales and operations of your Hyper Kidz Business.

8.2 Disclosure of Confidential Information

We will disclose such parts of the Confidential Information as are required for the operation of a Hyper Kidz Business to you during training and in guidance and assistance furnished to you during the term of this Agreement, and you may learn or otherwise obtain from us additional Confidential Information during the term of this Agreement. You acknowledge and agree that neither you nor any other person or entity will acquire any interest in or right to use the Confidential Information, other than your right to utilize it in the operation of the Hyper Kidz Business, and that the use or duplication of the Confidential Information in any other business would constitute an unfair method of competition with us and other Hyper Kidz Business franchisees. You agree to disclose the Confidential Information to your Principals and to employees of the Hyper Kidz Business only to the extent reasonably necessary for the operation of the Hyper Kidz Business.

8.3 Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information

You acknowledge and agree that the Confidential Information is confidential to us and a valuable asset of ours, is proprietary, includes our trade secrets, and is disclosed to you solely on the condition that you, your Principals and your employees who have access to it agree, and you do hereby agree, that during and after the term of this Agreement, you, your Principals and such employees:

  • (a) will not use the Confidential Information in any other business or capacity;
  • (b) will maintain the absolute secrecy and confidentiality of the Confidential Information;
  • (c) will not make unauthorized copies of any portion of the Confidential Information disclosed in written or other tangible form;

  • (d) will adopt and implement all reasonable procedures prescribed from time to time by us to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure of or access to the Confidential Information; and
  • (e) will require all Principals and all employees and Principals who will have access to Confidential Information, including, without limitation, managers and other personnel who attend our training programs, to execute Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreements in the form attached hereto as Attachment 9. We shall be a third-party beneficiary of such agreements with the independent right to enforce their terms. You shall provide, at our request, executed originals of each such Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement. Failure to procure execution of a Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement shall be a material breach of this Agreement.

8.4 Use of Confidential Information

Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prohibit you from using the Confidential Information in connection with the operation of a Hyper Kidz Business, provided such operation is pursuant to a valid franchise agreement between you and us.

8.5 Restrictions on Use

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, and provided you shall have obtained our prior written consent, the restrictions on your disclosure and use of the Confidential Information shall not apply to the following: (a) information, methods, procedures, techniques and knowledge which are or become generally known in the business of the offer and sale of Approved Products and Services and Products in the United States, other than through deliberate or inadvertent disclosure by you; and (b) the disclosure of the Confidential Information in judicial or administrative proceedings to the extent that you are legally compelled to disclose such information, provided you have notified us prior to disclosure and shall have used your best efforts to obtain, and shall have afforded us the opportunity to obtain, an appropriate protective order or other assurance satisfactory to us of confidential treatment for the information required to be so disclosed.

8.6 New Ideas and Concepts

You agree to disclose to us all ideas, concepts, methods, techniques and products relating to the development and operation of a Hyper Kidz Business conceived or developed by you, your Affiliates, Principals, managers or your employees during the term of this Agreement.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 52)

What This Means (2024 FDD)

According to Hyper Kidz's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Confidential Information encompasses a wide array of proprietary knowledge and materials crucial to the operation of a Hyper Kidz franchise. This includes methods, techniques, specifications, standards, policies, procedures, information, concepts, and systems related to the development, operation, and franchising of Hyper Kidz businesses. It also extends to marketing and promotional programs, knowledge of suppliers for materials, equipment, and fixtures, the terms of the Franchise Agreement itself, the Operations Manual, and all data pertaining to the sales and operations of the franchisee's Hyper Kidz Business.

Hyper Kidz will disclose necessary Confidential Information during training and ongoing support, but franchisees only have the right to use it for their franchised business. Franchisees must keep this information secret and only share it with employees and principals who need it to run the business. Franchisees must also ensure that these individuals sign confidentiality and non-competition agreements, with Hyper Kidz as a third-party beneficiary able to enforce these agreements. Failure to obtain these agreements is a breach of the Franchise Agreement.

The Franchise Agreement specifies that franchisees cannot use the Confidential Information in any other business, must maintain its secrecy, and cannot make unauthorized copies. They must also follow Hyper Kidz's procedures to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure. These restrictions do not apply to information that becomes generally known, unless the franchisee deliberately discloses it, or if disclosure is legally compelled in judicial or administrative proceedings, provided Hyper Kidz is notified and given the opportunity to seek a protective order. Upon termination or expiration of the franchise, the franchisee must cease using all Confidential Information and return all copies of the Operations Manual and other confidential materials.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.