What is considered 'Confidential Information' regarding the Zoomin Groomin franchise system?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
n 6.2. We reserve the right to share performance data of your Franchised Business with individuals and agents who need it to provide us with assistance. We may also disclose aggregate performance data in our franchise disclosure documents.
Confidentiality
6.1.Definition
The term "Confidential Information" is defined as non-public sensitive or proprietary material related to our Franchise System, relationship with you or the Franchise Business whether provided by us or by you. The disclosure may be oral or written in any form including tangible, intangible and electronic media regardless whether it is marked. For the avoidance of doubt, Confidential Information includes Client lists, performance data and reports from our Franchise System along with any notes, summaries or other derivative works. Confidential Information does not include material that: a) you possessed more than thirty (30) days before the Effective Date of any contract between us, b) independently developed, c) obtained from a third party with no corresponding obligation of confidentiality, or d) in the public domain.
6.2.Confidentiality
You will not directly or indirectly disclose, publish, share with any third party any Confidential Information without our prior written consent. You may share Confidential Information with your employees or agents that need it to complete essential job functions if they are covered by equivalent restrictions.
Source: Item 9 — 01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (FDD pages 68–156)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Zoomin Groomin Franchise Disclosure Document, Confidential Information is defined as non-public, sensitive, or proprietary material related to the Zoomin Groomin Franchise System, the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee, or the Franchise Business. This information can be disclosed orally or in writing, in any form, including tangible, intangible, and electronic media, regardless of whether it is marked as confidential.
Specifically, Confidential Information includes client lists, performance data, and reports from the Zoomin Groomin Franchise System, along with any notes, summaries, or other derivative works. Franchisees are prohibited from directly or indirectly disclosing, publishing, or sharing any Confidential Information with any third party without prior written consent from Zoomin Groomin. However, franchisees may share Confidential Information with their employees or agents if they need it to perform essential job functions and are covered by equivalent confidentiality restrictions.
There are exceptions to what is considered Confidential Information. Material that the franchisee possessed more than thirty (30) days before the effective date of any contract between them and Zoomin Groomin, material that was independently developed, material obtained from a third party with no corresponding obligation of confidentiality, or material already in the public domain is not considered Confidential Information. Franchisees may only use Confidential Information to perform their obligations under the Franchise Agreement and must avoid using it for their own benefit or to the detriment of Zoomin Groomin, especially in a competing business.