What are 'E-Problems' according to the Afuri Ramen Dumpling franchise agreement?
Afuri_Ramen_Dumpling Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 5.6.2 During the term of this Agreement and forever after it expires or is terminated, you will never:
- A. communicate, fax, e-mail, post on an internet electronic bulletin board, or
- B. divulge or use in any other manner (either for your benefit or the benefit or any other person, persons, partnerships, associations, companies or corporations, except for the benefit of your Afuri franchise during the term of this Agreement)
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 50–189)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
Based on the 2024 Afuri Ramen Dumpling Franchise Disclosure Document, the term "E-Problems" is not explicitly defined. However, section 5.6.2 does mention restrictions regarding electronic communications.
Specifically, during the term of the Franchise Agreement and even after it expires or is terminated, franchisees are prohibited from communicating, faxing, or emailing confidential information. They are also barred from posting confidential information on any internet electronic bulletin board, or divulging or using it in any other manner, either for their own benefit or the benefit of others, except for the benefit of their Afuri Ramen Dumpling franchise during the term of the agreement.
While the term "E-Problems" itself isn't defined, the restrictions on electronic communication of confidential information suggest that the franchisor places a high value on protecting its proprietary information and preventing its unauthorized dissemination through electronic channels. A prospective franchisee should seek clarification from the franchisor regarding the specific types of information considered confidential and the permitted uses of electronic communication in operating the franchise.