What does Sonesta Simply Suites consider to be included in their 'Confidential Information'?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We grant you the right to use our Confidential Information. Our "Confidential Information" includes: site selection criteria; training and operations materials and manuals, including the Brand Manual; 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; market research, promotional, marketing and advertising programs for Brand Hotels; knowledge of specifications for, and suppliers of FF&E, products and supplies; any Computer System, computer software, or similar technology which is proprietary to us or our affiliates, including digital passwords and identifications and any source code of, and data, reports, and other printed materials generated by, the software or similar technology; knowledge of the operating results and financial performance of Brand Hotels, other than your Hotel; and customer data. You must treat the Confidential Information as confidential. You must adopt and implement all reasonable procedures we may periodically establish to prevent unauthorized access, use or disclosure of the Confidential Information, including by establishing reasonable security and access measures and restricting disclosure to key employees and using non-disclosure clauses in agreements with employees, agents and independent contractors who have access to the Confidential Information. You must comply with our requirements concerning confidentiality of the Confidential Information. You may not copy or distribute any part of the Confidential Information, including the Brand
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Confidential Information encompasses a wide array of proprietary data and knowledge essential to the operation of a Sonesta Simply Suites branded hotel. This includes site selection criteria, which are the specific guidelines and standards used to determine suitable locations for new franchise units. It also covers training and operations materials, such as the Brand Manual, which provides detailed instructions and best practices for running the hotel.
Furthermore, Sonesta Simply Suites considers the Brand Standards, operational methods, formats, specifications, systems, procedures, techniques, sales, and marketing techniques as Confidential Information. This extends to knowledge and experience gained in developing, promoting, and operating Brand Hotels, as well as market research and promotional, marketing, and advertising programs. The specifications for, and suppliers of, furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), products, and supplies are also included. Any proprietary computer systems, software, or similar technology, including digital passwords and identifications, source code, data, reports, and printed materials generated by the software, are considered confidential.
Additionally, the operating results and financial performance data of Brand Hotels (excluding the franchisee's own hotel) and customer data are classified as Confidential Information. Franchisees are obligated to treat all such information as confidential and must implement reasonable procedures to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. This includes establishing security measures, restricting disclosure to key employees, and using non-disclosure agreements with employees, agents, and independent contractors. Franchisees must also promptly notify Sonesta Simply Suites of any unauthorized use of Confidential Information.