What is the Annex Brands franchisee's responsibility regarding individuals who have access to their Intranet password?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
onfidentiality. 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.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 109–110)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have specific responsibilities regarding the confidentiality and appropriate use of Intranet passwords. Annex Brands provides franchisees with usernames and passwords to access their Intranet, email, and website portals, if established. Franchisees must not disclose their password to anyone not under their direct supervision or without a need to know the password.
The franchisee must inform all supervised personnel with access to the password about their confidentiality obligations. The franchisee is responsible for any breach of confidentiality by these individuals and must indemnify and hold Annex Brands harmless from any resulting damages. This means the franchisee is liable for any misuse or unauthorized access resulting from password sharing by their employees.
In practical terms, Annex Brands franchisees must implement strict internal policies regarding password security. This includes training employees on data protection, limiting password access to essential personnel, and ensuring that employees understand the consequences of unauthorized disclosure. Franchisees should also monitor employee access to the Intranet and promptly report any suspected security breaches to Annex Brands. These measures are crucial to protect sensitive business information and maintain the integrity of the Annex Brands network.