Does the Cicis Franchise Agreement have a section dedicated to 'Non-Disparagement'?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
I. Non-Disparagement. You agree not to (and to use your best efforts to cause your current and former shareholders, members, officers, directors, principals, agents, partners, employees, representatives, attorneys, spouses, affiliates, successors and assigns not to) (1) disparage or speak or write negatively, directly or indirectly, of us, our affiliates, any of our or our affiliates' directors, officers, employees, representatives or affiliates, our current and former franchisees, area directors, or developers, the Cicis brand, the System, any Cicis Restaurant (including your own), any business using the Marks, any other brand or service-marked or trademarked concept of us or our affiliates, or (2) undertake any act which would (a) subject the Cicis brand or such other brands to ridicule, scandal, reproach, scorn, or indignity, (b) which would negatively impact the goodwill of us, the Cicis brand, the System, or any other brands owned or controlled by us or any of our affiliates, or (c) constitute an act of moral turpitude.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cicis Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Agreement includes a section dedicated to non-disparagement. This clause prevents the franchisee, their shareholders, members, officers, directors, and employees from making negative statements about Cicis.
The non-disparagement clause extends to Cicis, its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, representatives, current and former franchisees, area directors, developers, the Cicis brand, the System, any Cicis Restaurant (including the franchisee's own), any business using Cicis's trademarks, and any other brand or service-marked concept of Cicis or its affiliates. The franchisee is required to prevent these parties from speaking or writing negatively about the brand either directly or indirectly.
The agreement also prohibits any actions that could subject the Cicis brand or other brands to ridicule, scandal, reproach, scorn, or indignity. It also covers actions that could negatively impact the goodwill of Cicis, the Cicis brand, the System, or any other brands owned or controlled by Cicis or its affiliates, as well as acts of moral turpitude. This clause remains in effect during the term of the Franchise Agreement.