Does the definition of 'Confidential Information' for Pearce Bespoke include social media policy?
Pearce_Bespoke Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Confidential Information includes (without limitation): all elements of the Business System and all products, services, equipment, technologies, policies, standards, requirements, criteria and procedures that now or in the future are part of the Business System; Franchisor's Operations Manual (including supplements to the Manual); all specifications, sources of supply, all procedures, systems, techniques and activities employed by Franchisor or Franchisee in the offer and sale of products and or services at the Pearce Bespoke Franchise; all pricing paradigms established by Franchisor or by Franchisee; all of Franchisor's and/or Franchisee's sources (or prospective sources) of supply and all information pertaining to same (including wholesale pricing structures, the contents of sourcing agreements and identity of suppliers); Franchisor's specifications, and Franchisee's final plans, for the construction, build-out, design, renovation, décor, equipment, signage, furniture, items and trade dress elements of the Pearce Bespoke Franchise; the identity of, and all information relating to, the computer and DRS POS hardware and software utilized by Franchisor and Franchisee; all information pertaining to Franchisor's and Franchisee's advertising, marketing, promotion and merchandising campaigns, activities, materials, specifications and procedures; all customer lists, customer data and other records generated and/or otherwise maintained by the Pearce Bespoke Franchise; Franchisor's Internet Code of Conduct, social media policy, internet/web protocols, procedures and content; Franchisor's training and other instruction programs and materials; all communications between Franchisor and Franchisee (including the financial and other reports Franchisee is required to submit to Franchisor under the Agreement); additions to, deletions from and modifications and variations of the components of the Business System and all other information, knowledge and know-how which Franchisor and its affiliates, now or in the future, designate as confidential.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 39)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Pearce Bespoke's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of 'Confidential Information' does include the social media policy. The FDD specifies that 'Confidential Information' encompasses various elements related to the business system, including the franchisor's social media policy. This means that franchisees must treat the social media policy as confidential and protect it from unauthorized disclosure.
As a Pearce Bespoke franchisee, you are obligated to keep the details of the social media policy confidential. This includes not sharing the policy with unauthorized parties or using it in any way that could harm the Pearce Bespoke brand. The franchisor's intention is to maintain control over its brand image and online presence, and franchisees are expected to adhere to these standards.
This requirement is typical in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their brand and maintain consistency across all franchise locations. By designating the social media policy as confidential, Pearce Bespoke ensures that franchisees understand the importance of following the established guidelines and protecting the brand's reputation online. Franchisees should familiarize themselves with the full scope of what Pearce Bespoke considers Confidential Information and take appropriate measures to safeguard it.