Must I keep the information in the Petro Stopping Center Manuals secret and confidential?
Petro_Stopping_Center Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 7.1 Manuals. We will loan you during the Term, one copy of the Manuals. The Manuals may be provided to you in electronic form and by any means of e-commerce we designate. The Manuals will contain, among other things, Petro System Standards that we prescribe from time to time for the operation of a Petro Center and information relating to your other obligations under this Agreement and related agreements. You agree to follow the standards, specifications and operating procedures we establish or revise periodically for the Petro System as described in the Manuals. You also must comply with all updates and amendments to the Petro System as described in newsletters or notices we distribute, including via computer systems. You must maintain the Manuals as confidential and maintain the information in the Manuals as secret and confidential. The Manuals may be modified, updated and revised from time to time to reflect changes in Petro System Standards. You agree to keep your copy of the Manuals (in hard copy or electronic form) current and in a secure location and by secure means at the Petro Center. In the event of a dispute relating to its contents, the master copy of the Manuals we maintain at our principal office (or if via e-commerce, on our Computer System) will be controlling. You may not at any time copy, duplicate, record or otherwise reproduce any part of the Manuals. If your copy of the Manuals is lost, destroyed or significantly damaged, you agree to obtain a replacement copy at our then applicable charge.
Source: Item 14 — Other investments (FDD pages 131–208)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Petro Stopping Center Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to maintain the confidentiality of the information contained within the Petro Stopping Center manuals. Petro Stopping Center will loan franchisees a copy of the manuals during the term of the agreement, potentially in electronic form. These manuals contain Petro System Standards and information about the franchisee's obligations. Franchisees must adhere to the standards and operating procedures outlined in the manuals, including any updates or amendments communicated through newsletters or notices.
The franchisee is obligated to keep the manuals secure and up-to-date, with the master copy held by Petro Stopping Center serving as the controlling reference in case of disputes. Copying or reproducing any part of the manuals is strictly prohibited. If a manual is lost or damaged, the franchisee must obtain a replacement copy at the then-applicable charge.
This confidentiality extends beyond the manual itself, as franchisees must also sign a confidentiality agreement. Franchisees are liable for any unauthorized disclosure of confidential information by their owners and personnel. This obligation ensures that the proprietary information and trade secrets of Petro Stopping Center are protected, maintaining a competitive advantage and the integrity of the Petro System.