Who owns all confidential information related to the Jersey Mikes franchise?
Jersey_Mikes Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
s, so long a s such disclosure was not caused by you. Company is the sole owner of all confidential information.
All your employees having access to confidential information, agreements or other proprietary information of Company will sign confidentiality with confidentiality obligations no less stringent than those contained in your Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 55–56)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Jersey Mike's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company is the sole owner of all confidential information. This includes knowledge of restaurant operations, specifications, standards, and operating procedures. Franchisees must maintain absolute confidentiality both during and after the franchise term, and they can only share confidential information with employees who need it to operate the restaurant.
This means that as a Jersey Mike's franchisee, you are entrusted with valuable trade secrets that are critical to the brand's success. You have a legal and ethical obligation to protect this information. The FDD specifies that any information, knowledge, and know-how, including drawings, materials, equipment, techniques, restaurant systems, product formulae, recipes, methods, procedures, and other data, including customer data, will be deemed confidential.
Jersey Mike's also requires all employees with access to confidential information to sign confidentiality agreements. This ensures that the franchisor can legally pursue anyone who breaches confidentiality terms. The franchisor may also seek equitable relief for any breaches of confidentiality agreements.
This level of protection is typical in franchising, as the franchisor's brand and system are built on proprietary information. Franchisees benefit from this protection because it helps maintain a competitive advantage and ensures consistency across all locations. However, it also means that franchisees must be vigilant in safeguarding confidential information to avoid potential legal and financial repercussions.