Is a Sonesta Simply Suites franchisee allowed to copy any part of the Brand Manual?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You agree that the Brand Manual's contents are confidential, that you will keep it in a secure location which will not be accessible to persons who are not authorized to review it, and that you will not disclose the Brand Manual to any person other than your employees who need to know its contents.
You may not at any time copy, duplicate, record, or otherwise reproduce any part of the Brand Manual.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Sonesta Simply Suites Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from copying any part of the Brand Manual. The Brand Manual contains mandatory brand standards, suggested procedures, and franchisee obligations. Sonesta Simply Suites may modify the Brand Manual periodically to reflect changes in brand standards through memoranda and newsletters. Franchisees must keep their copy current and secure at the hotel. In case of discrepancies, Sonesta Simply Suites' copy prevails.
The FDD states that the contents of the Brand Manual are confidential. Franchisees must keep it in a secure location accessible only to authorized employees and are prohibited from disclosing it to unauthorized individuals. This restriction extends to copying, duplicating, recording, or otherwise reproducing any part of the Brand Manual.
Sonesta Simply Suites may provide access to the Brand Manual through a restricted website or extranet. If so, franchisees must monitor the website or extranet for updates to the Brand Manual or Brand Standards. Any passwords or digital identifications required to access the Brand Manual are considered Confidential Information. This stringent control over the Brand Manual ensures consistency and protects proprietary information within the Sonesta Simply Suites franchise system.