Does the Confidential Information for Sonesta Simply Suites include site selection criteria?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You and your owners and personnel may from time to time be provided and/or have access to certain confidential information, some of which constitutes trade secrets under applicable law (the "Confidential Information"), relating to developing and operating Brand Hotels, whether or not marked confidential, including (without limitation):
- (1) site selection criteria;
- (2) training and operations materials and manuals, including the Brand Manual;
- (3) the Brand Standards and other methods, formats, specifications, standards, systems, procedures, techniques, sales and marketing techniques, knowledge, and experience used in developing, promoting, and operating Brand Hotels;
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Confidential Information provided to franchisees includes site selection criteria. This means that the specific factors and guidelines Sonesta Simply Suites uses to evaluate potential locations for a hotel are considered proprietary and confidential. Franchisees are obligated to keep this information secret.
As a prospective Sonesta Simply Suites franchisee, you would have access to these site selection criteria to help you find a suitable location for your franchise. However, you must maintain the confidentiality of this information and only use it for the purpose of operating your Sonesta Simply Suites hotel. You cannot share it with unauthorized parties or use it for any other business ventures.
The FDD specifies that franchisees and their personnel may be provided with or have access to Confidential Information, which includes trade secrets relating to developing and operating Brand Hotels. This information is not limited to site selection criteria but also extends to training and operations materials, Brand Standards, market research, supplier knowledge, computer systems, operating results, and customer data. All of this information is considered proprietary to Sonesta Simply Suites.
Sonesta Simply Suites emphasizes the importance of protecting this Confidential Information, requiring franchisees to implement reasonable procedures to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. They also reserve the right to require employees, agents, or independent contractors to execute non-disclosure agreements to further safeguard this information. This ensures that the brand's competitive advantages and operational methods remain protected.