If Bumper Man establishes an Intranet, is Bumper Man obligated to maintain it indefinitely?
Bumper_Man Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (c) Intranet. Franchisor may, at its option, establish and maintain an Intranet through which Franchisor and Franchisee may communicate with each other. Franchisor will have control over all aspects of the Intranet, including the content and functionality thereof. At Franchisor's option, Franchisor may post, update and disseminate the Manual and other Confidential Information through the Intranet. Any passwords or other digital identifications necessary to access the Manual on the Intranet will be deemed to be part of Confidential Information. If established, Franchisee will have the mere privilege to use the Intranet, subject to Franchisee's strict compliance with the Standards. 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 that are posted or to be posted to it will become Franchisor's sole property, free of any claims of privacy or privilege that Franchisee or any other Person may assert. If established, Franchisor will have no obligation to maintain the Intranet indefinitely, and may modify or dismantle it at any time without liability to Franchisee.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 45–180)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumper Man's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bumper Man has no obligation to maintain its Intranet indefinitely. The FDD states that Bumper Man may choose to establish and maintain an Intranet for communication between the franchisor and its franchisees. Bumper Man retains control over all aspects of the Intranet, including its content and functionality.
Bumper Man has the option to post, update, and disseminate the Manual and other confidential information through the Intranet. Franchisees are granted a privilege to use the Intranet, contingent upon strict compliance with Bumper Man's standards. As the administrator, Bumper Man can access and view any communication posted on the Intranet, and all communications become Bumper Man's sole property.
Importantly, Bumper Man is not obligated to maintain the Intranet indefinitely. Bumper Man can modify or dismantle the Intranet at any time without incurring liability to the franchisee. This means that while an Intranet may be a useful tool for communication and access to information, franchisees should be aware that its availability is not guaranteed and can be changed at Bumper Man's discretion.