Is there a Release agreement included in the Zoomin Groomin franchise documents?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
NOTE 9 - FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
The terms of the Company's franchise agreement will be as follows:
- A. The Company will grant the right to use the Company name, trademark and system in the franchisees franchise development business.
- B. The franchisee is obligated to pay a non-refundable initial franchise fee.
- C. The franchisee is obligated to pay a monthly royalty fee and other fees as outlined in the agreement.
- D. All other terms of the Franchise Disclosure Document.
EXHIBIT G NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT
THIS NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into this day of, 20 ("Effective Date"), by and between Zoomin Groomin USA LLC ("Company"), a Virginia limited liability company at 780 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Suite 240, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, and ("Recipient") for the purpose of preventing the unauthorized disclosure of Company's Confidential Information.
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- Confidential Information. "Confidential Information" means all information or data (oral, written, and electronic) disclosed or furnished by Company to Recipient, including but not limited to all business processes and information, negotiations and negotiated terms to the Franchise Agreement or other Agreement between the parties, financial data, trade secrets, customer lists, agreements, manuals, operating materials, knowledge, know-how, and all other data, regardless of whether such information is designated as "Confidential Information" at the time of its disclosure.
Confidential Information does not include information (a) already in Recipient's possession before receipt from Company; (b) that is a matter of public knowledge through no fault of Recipient; or (c) that is rightfully received by Recipient from a third party not owing a duty of confidentiality to Company.
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- Use of Confidential Information.
Recipient shall not, directly or indirectly, during the term of this Agreement or thereafter, communicate, divulge, or use any Confidential Information for the benefit of any other person, partnership, association, or corporation and shall use the Confidential Information only as authorized by Company.
Recipient agrees to take reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized persons or entities from accessing Confidential Information in Recipient's possession.
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- Obligation to Maintain Confidentiality.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 48–49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Zoomin Groomin Franchise Disclosure Document, there is no explicit mention of a "Release agreement" being included in the franchise documents. However, Exhibit G is a Non-Disclosure Agreement. This agreement is between Zoomin Groomin USA LLC and the recipient, effective as of a specified date in 20, and aims to prevent unauthorized disclosure of the company's confidential information.
The Non-Disclosure Agreement defines "Confidential Information" broadly, encompassing all data disclosed by Zoomin Groomin to the recipient, including business processes, financial data, trade secrets, customer lists, agreements, manuals, and operating materials. The agreement stipulates that the recipient cannot communicate, divulge, or use any Confidential Information for the benefit of any other party and must take reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized access to this information.
While not a release agreement, the presence of a Non-Disclosure Agreement indicates Zoomin Groomin's concern for protecting its proprietary information. Franchisees should carefully review Exhibit G and understand their obligations regarding confidentiality, as violations could have legal and financial repercussions. Prospective franchisees should seek legal counsel to fully understand the implications of the Non-Disclosure Agreement before signing any franchise documents.