After the termination or expiration of the Development Agreement for Monicals Pizza, what specific action must the Developer immediately take regarding Trade Secrets and Confidential Information?

According to the 2025 Monicals Pizza Franchise Disclosure Document, upon termination or expiration of the Development Agreement, the developer is obligated to pay any outstanding amounts owed to Monicals Pizza, including any interest due. While the document specifies the financial obligations upon termination, it does not explicitly detail the immediate actions a developer must take regarding trade secrets and confidential information after the termination or expiration of the Development Agreement.

However, the FDD does outline the importance of trade secrets and confidential information, defining them as information not publicly known and crucial to Monicals Pizza's business. It emphasizes that recipients of this information, including franchisees and their staff, must maintain its confidentiality both during and after their relationship with Monicals Pizza. This suggests that the developer's obligation to protect and not disclose confidential information survives the termination of the Development Agreement.

Given the lack of specific details in the provided excerpts regarding immediate actions concerning trade secrets upon termination of the Development Agreement, it is advisable for prospective developers to seek clarification from Monicals Pizza. Specifically, they should inquire about the procedures for returning or destroying confidential materials, the scope of ongoing confidentiality obligations, and any specific restrictions on using or disclosing such information post-termination. Understanding these obligations is crucial for ensuring compliance and avoiding potential legal issues.