What discretion does Bhc have over the Intranet?
Bhc Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
king media Franchised BHC Restaurant dedicated to marketing the Franchised Business, or (ii) register an Internet domain or social networking media Franchised BHC Restaurant name using any of the Marks.
- (b) Any alternative distribution methods and programs Franchisee would like to use to engage in the Franchised Business, including e-commerce, web sites, Internet sub-dealers, tele sales and telemarketing, or any other non-retail method of distribution, is subject to Franchisor's prior written approval, which approval will be in Franchisor's sole discretion.
8.13 Intranet.
- (a) Franchisor may, at its option, establish and maintain an "Intranet" through which (i) BHC franchisees may communicate with each other, (ii) Franchisor and Franchisee may communicate with each other and (iii) Franchisor may disseminate the Operations Manual, updates thereto and other confidential information. Franchisor has full discretion and control over all aspects of any such Intranet, including the content and functionality thereof. Franchisor will have no obligation to maintain the Intranet indefinitely and may dismantle it at any time without liability to Franchisee.
- (b) If establishes an Intranet, Franchisee must use it in strict compliance with the standards and specifications, protocols and restrictions Franchisor establishes regarding such use. Such standards and specifications, protocols and restrictions may provide, restrict or otherwise relate to (i) the use of abusive, slanderous or otherwise offensive language in electronic communications, (ii) communications between or among BHC franchisees that disparage Franchisor or endorse or encourage breach of any BHC franchise agreement, or other agreement with Franchisor or Franchisor's affiliates, (iii) confidential treatment of materials that Franchisor transmits via the Intranet, (iv) password protocols and other security precautions, including limitations on the number and types of employees who may be granted access to the Intranet, (v) grounds and procedures for Franchisor's suspending or revoking a BHC
franchisee's access to the Intranet, and (vi) a privacy policy governing Franchisor's access to and use of electronic communications that franchisees post to the Intranet. Franchisee acknowledges that, as administrator of the Intranet, Franchisor can access and view any communication that any person posts on the Intranet. Franchisee further acknowledges that the Intranet facility and all communications posted to it are Franchisor's property, free of any claims of privacy or privilege that Franchisee or any other person may assert.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–230)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bhc has extensive control over the Intranet, should they choose to establish one. Bhc has full discretion over all aspects of the Intranet, including its content and functionality. This means Bhc can decide what information is shared, how it is presented, and what features are available to users. Bhc also has the right to dismantle the Intranet at any time without any liability to franchisees.
If Bhc establishes an Intranet, franchisees must adhere to the standards, specifications, protocols, and restrictions set by Bhc. These regulations may cover a wide range of activities, including the use of appropriate language, restrictions on communications that disparage Bhc or encourage breaches of franchise agreements, and the confidential handling of materials transmitted through the Intranet. Bhc can also set password protocols, security precautions, and limitations on employee access. Furthermore, Bhc can establish grounds and procedures for suspending or revoking a franchisee's access to the Intranet and implement a privacy policy governing their access to and use of electronic communications posted on the Intranet.
As the administrator of the Intranet, Bhc can access and view any communication posted by any user. The Intranet facility and all communications posted on it are considered Bhc's property, without any claims of privacy or privilege from franchisees or other users. Franchisees are required to maintain an electronic connection with the Intranet, as specified in the Operations Manual, to allow Bhc to send and receive messages, subject to Bhc's standards and specifications. This level of control gives Bhc significant oversight over communications and information sharing within the franchise system.