Does Boulder Designs guarantee that information or communication systems will not be vulnerable to E-Problems?
Boulder_Designs Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Computer systems are vulnerable in varying degrees to computer viruses, bugs, power disruptions, communication line disruptions, internet access failures, internet content failures and similar problems, and attacks by hackers and other unauthorized intruders ("E-Problems"). Franchisor does not guarantee that information or communication systems that Franchisor or others supply will not be vulnerable to E-Problems. It is Franchisee's responsibility to protect itself from E-Problems. Franchisee should also take reasonable steps to verify that its suppliers, third-party vendors, lenders, landlords, and governmental agencies on which it relies, have reasonable protection from E-Problems. This may include taking reasonable steps to secure Franchisee systems (including firewalls, password protection and anti-virus systems) and to provide backup systems.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Boulder Designs' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Boulder Designs does not guarantee that its information or communication systems, or those supplied by others, will be free from vulnerabilities to "E-Problems." E-Problems are defined as computer viruses, bugs, power disruptions, communication line disruptions, internet access failures, internet content failures, and attacks by hackers and other unauthorized intruders.
As a Boulder Designs franchisee, it is your responsibility to protect your business from these E-Problems. This includes taking reasonable steps to secure your systems with measures like firewalls, password protection, and anti-virus systems, as well as providing backup systems. You should also verify that your suppliers, third-party vendors, lenders, landlords, and governmental agencies have reasonable protection from E-Problems.
This means that franchisees bear the risk and cost of securing their computer systems and data. It is a common practice in franchising for the franchisee to be responsible for their own IT security, but prospective franchisees should carefully consider these potential costs when evaluating the Boulder Designs franchise opportunity.