Can I acquire any ownership interest in the Confidential Information of Nothing Bundt Cakes?

[Item 23: RECEIPTS]

Now, Therefore –

• 1. Prospective Franchisees acknowledges that he/she will be provided confidential information regarding the development and operation of Nothing Bundt Cakes bakeries.
• 1. It is further understood that Franchisor has invested significant money to develop certain proprietary and confidential systems and trade secrets relating to the operation of a NBF Franchise, which include, without limitation, Proprietary Recipes and other standards and specifications relating to food preparation and presentation, kitchen equipment, and the build-out of a Nothing Bundt Cakes bakery; as well as information about proprietary merchandise, proprietary software Franchisor may now or in the future create; the Franchisor's Operations Manual and copyrighted materials; food preparation and baking methods; and other techniques and know-how concerning the operation of the Franchisor's business ("Confidential Information").
• 1. Therefore, any and all Confidential Information provided to Prospective Franchisees during in-person meetings with the Company, as well as information that may be provided (in any format) to Prospective Franchisee by other means such as by personal meetings, conversation, mail, fax or electronic transmissions, shall be deemed to be Confidential Information for purposes of this Agreement.
• 1. The Confidential Information that is disclosed to Prospective Franchisees is being provided solely on the condition that the Prospective Franchisee(s) agree herein that he/she shall hold in strict confidence all Confidential Information and all other information provided them by the Company. Unless the Franchisor otherwise agrees in writing, the Prospective Franchisee will not isclose any such information even after said person(s) cease to be considered a Prospective Franchisee; and, the Prospective Franchisee will not use any such information for the purpose of operating or owning a business that is considered to be in competition with Nothing Bundt Cakes bakeries.
• 1. Except as otherwise approved in writing by the Franchisor, the prospective Franchisee shall not for himself/herself, or through, on behalf of, or in conjunction with any person, persons, partnership, corporation or limited liability company, own, maintain, engage in, lend money to, extend credit to, have controlling interest in, or be employed as an officer, director, executive, or principal of any bakery, except as stipulated in Item 8 below.

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 93–309)