factual

Does the Mrcool FDD specify any requirements for the franchisee's affiliates to maintain good standing?

Mrcool Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

notice sent to Franchisor via priority overnight courier; (ii) Franchisee provided and afforded Franchisor the absolute opportunity and right to defend against the IP Claim and to select and appoint legal counsel of Franchisor's choosing; and (iii) Franchisee utilized the Licensed Marks in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the System. Franchisee agrees that time is of the essence with respect to notifying Franchisor of the IP Claim in accordance with this Agreement, including this Article 11.E.

11.F. OWNERSHIP OF INNOVATIONS, IMPROVEMENTS AND INFORMATION

Franchisee agrees that with regard to the Franchised Business, all customer lists, including the contents and information contained in all customer lists, constitute Confidential Information and an asset of Franchisor whether or not such information was supplied by Franchisor. During the Term, and in connection with the development, establishment, marketing, promotion and operation of the Franchised Business, Franchisee shall disclose to Franchisor all of Franchisee's ideas, concepts, methods, and products conceived or developed by Franchisee, any Owner, and/or Franchisee's affiliates, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, agents, members, representatives, independent contractors, servants and employees relating to the development and operation of MRCOOL Centers and the System. Franchisee hereby assigns to Franchisor, and Franchisee agrees to procure an assignment of any such ideas, concepts, methods, and products that Franchisee is required to disclose to Franchisor under this Article 11.F. from each Owner and Franchisee's affiliates, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, agents, members, representatives, independent contractors, servants and employees. Franchisor shall have no obligation to tender any lump sum payment, on-going payments, or any other consideration to Franchisee, any Owner, each Owner and Franchisee's

affiliates, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, agents, members, representatives, independent contractors, servants and employees with respect to any such idea, concept, method, technique or product. Franchisee agrees that Franchisee shall not use, or allow any other person or entity to use, any such concept, method, technique, or product without obtaining Franchisor's prior written approval.

ARTICLE 12 RECORDS AND REPORTS

12.A. MAINTENANCE AND PRESERVATION OF RECORDS

Franchisee shall maintain during the Term, and preserve for at least three years from the dates of their preparation, full, complete and accurate books, records, and accounts from the Franchised Business. Such records shall be maintained and preserved in the form and manner by Franchisor in the Operations Manual or otherwise in writing.

12.B REPORTING OBLIGATIONS

In additional to the reporting obligations otherwise set forth in this Agreement, Franchisee agrees to the following additional reporting obligations that shall be compiled, organized, and contain all of the data and information requested by Franchisor, in Franchisors Reasonable Business Judgment, and as may be modified by Franchisor from time to time:

  • (1) Royalty and Activity Reports on the Due Date each month, Franchisee shall report, transmit, confirm, and/or otherwise make available to Franchisor, the Royalty and Activity Report as designated by Franchisor and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
  • (2) Monthly Financial Statements and Reports within 30 days of the end of each calendar month Franchisee shall submit to Franchisor monthly financial statements and other reports related to the operations of the Franchised business including, but not limited to, income statement, statement of cash flows, balance sheet, and other operational reports designated by Franchisor. At all times Franchisee represents that the financial statements, information, and reports submitted to and/or made available to Franchisor shall be and remain true and accurate. The financial statements must be prepared in accordance with GAAP and, additionally, shall reconcile Gross Sales per GAAP to Gross Sales per this Agreement;

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 55–263)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to the 2025 Mrcool FDD, the franchisee and their affiliates have specific obligations to maintain good standing. The franchisee must ensure that all customer lists are treated as confidential information and assets of Mrcool. During the term of the agreement, the franchisee is required to disclose to Mrcool any ideas, concepts, methods, or products conceived or developed by the franchisee, any owner, and/or the franchisee's affiliates relating to the development and operation of Mrcool Centers.

The franchisee must procure an assignment of such ideas, concepts, methods, and products from each owner and the franchisee's affiliates, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, agents, members, representatives, independent contractors, servants, and employees. Mrcool is not obligated to provide any payment or consideration for these ideas, and the franchisee cannot use or allow others to use such concepts without Mrcool's prior written approval. This ensures that all innovations and improvements related to the Mrcool system are owned by Mrcool and that the franchisee and its affiliates contribute to the system's development without expecting compensation.

Additionally, the franchisee can face termination of the agreement if they or their owners intentionally misrepresent or omit material information in the franchise application. Termination can also occur if the franchisee attempts to transfer the agreement or any rights without Mrcool's prior approval, or if an owner of the franchisee attempts to transfer their equity interests without approval. Furthermore, disclosing confidential information or the contents of the Operations Manual to unauthorized third parties can lead to termination. These provisions collectively ensure that the franchisee and its affiliates adhere to Mrcool's standards and protect the brand's confidential information and operational integrity.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 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.