What is the Annex Brands franchisee's obligation regarding access to the Intranet by unauthorized parties?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You will receive a user name and passwords for utilizing our Intranet, email and website portals, if established.
We may change your passwords periodically after giving you prior written notice.
We may change your passwords without notice if an alleged compromise exists.
You agree not to disclose your password to any person or entity who is not under your direct supervision and who does not have a need to know such password.
You agree to inform all persons under your supervision who may have access to such password of this obligation of confidentiality and you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless for any default of confidentiality by such persons.
You are responsible for the personnel and agents to whom you distribute passwords.
You must refrain from allowing access to our Intranet by any unauthorized party.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 109–110)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have a responsibility to protect access to the Intranet. Annex Brands may establish a private Intranet area, newsgroups, bulletin boards, or libraries accessible only through usernames and passwords, intending to provide franchisee support and electronic communication. Franchisees must monitor these resources regularly.
The FDD emphasizes that the Intranet, newsgroups, bulletins, and libraries are exclusively for Annex Brands and its franchisees, not for the general public. Franchisees receive usernames and passwords for the Intranet, email, and website portals, which Annex Brands may change periodically with prior written notice or immediately if a security compromise is suspected.
A critical obligation is that franchisees must not disclose their passwords to anyone not directly supervised by them or without a need to know the password. Franchisees must inform their personnel about confidentiality obligations and indemnify Annex Brands for any confidentiality breaches by those personnel. Ultimately, the franchisee is responsible for the actions of those to whom they distribute passwords and must prevent unauthorized access to the Intranet.