; and (B) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy. (15) The terms nonrenewal and nonrenew mean that the franchisor fails or refuses to extend the franchisor-franchisee relationship at the end of the existing term of the franchise agreement, irrespective of whether the franchise agreement contains any contractual right to obtain a renewal term. Allowing a franchise agreement with no renewal term to expire shall be considered to be a nonrenewal for purposes of this Act. 14. Severability If any provision or clause of this section or any application of this section to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the section which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this section are declared to be severable. 15. State attorneys general (a) Civil action Whenever an attorney general (or similar enforcement officer of a State, however denominated, hereinafter attorney general ) of any State has reason to believe that the interests of the residents of that State have been or are being threatened or adversely affected because any person has engaged or is engaging in a pattern or practice which violates any provision of this Act, the State, as parens patriae, may bring a civil action on behalf of its residents in an appropriate State court or district court of the United States to enjoin such violations, to obtain damages, restitution or other compensation on behalf of residents of such State or to obtain such further and other relief as the court may deem appropriate. (b) Preservation of power For purposes of bringing any civil action under subsection (a), nothing in this Act shall prevent an attorney general from exercising the powers conferred on the attorney general by the laws of such State to conduct investigations or to administer oaths or affirmations or to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of documentary and