Is a Bhc Master Franchisee permitted to install unauthorized software on the Computer System?
Bhc Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (c) Master Franchisee may not install, and must prohibit others from installing, unauthorized software on the Computer System. Master Franchisee must take all commercially reasonable measures to ensure no malicious code, malware or other unauthorized code or software is installed on, or transmitted by, the Computer System. Master Franchisee must always communicate to Franchisor all passwords, access keys and other security devices or systems necessary to permit Franchisor to access the Computer System and obtain the data Franchisor is permitted to obtain under this Agreement, including accounting, sales, marketing, client, and other information to assist in and support the operation of the Franchised Business.
- (d) All information on the Computer System, including customer data and contact information, is Franchisor's property and Master Franchisee consents to Franchisor using this information in any way Franchisor sees fit subject to any privacy laws and policies, including to market other products and services not constituting BHC Products or other products and services specifically authorized by Franchisor.
- (e) Franchisor may disclose information relating to Master Franchisee's operation of the Franchised Business, including, but not limited to, Gross Revenues, customer counts, and other related data, to future prospective Master Franchisees.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–230)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Master Franchisee is explicitly prohibited from installing unauthorized software on the Computer System. The Master Franchisee also has a responsibility to prevent others, including sub-licensees, from installing such software. This is to ensure the integrity and security of the system.
Bhc requires the Master Franchisee to take commercially reasonable measures to protect the Computer System from malicious code, malware, or any other unauthorized software. Furthermore, the Master Franchisee must provide Bhc with all necessary passwords, access keys, and security information to allow Bhc to access the Computer System and obtain data related to accounting, sales, marketing, and other operational aspects of the franchised business.
All data within the Computer System, including customer information, is considered Bhc's property. Bhc reserves the right to use this information as it sees fit, subject to privacy laws and policies, including for marketing purposes. Bhc may also share operational data, such as gross revenues and customer counts, with prospective Master Franchisees.