Does Cicis have the right to develop an internal communications network (Intranet) for franchisees?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We also have the sole right (but no obligation) to develop an internal communications network ("Intranet") through which we and our franchisees can communicate by e-mail or similar electronic means.
If we develop an Intranet, you will use our Intranet in accordance with all applicable Laws and in strict compliance with the standards, protocols, and restrictions that we include in the Manuals (including standards, protocols, and restrictions relating to the encryption of Confidential Information and prohibitions against the transmission of libelous, derogatory, or defamatory statements).
J. Branded E-mail. We reserve the right to require you to obtain from us and use an e-mail address associated with our registered domain name. If we require you to obtain and use an e-mail address, you must do so according to our then-current System Standards. You acknowledge and agree that we will have unrestricted access to all such e-mail accounts, and all documents, data, materials, and messages shared from or by such accounts. We may deactivate any such account or limit your or your users' access to it at any time. You acknowledge and agree that you will use such e-mail address only in connection with the operation of your Restaurant and in compliance with all Laws.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Cicis has the sole right, but not the obligation, to develop an internal communications network, or "Intranet," for communication between the company and its franchisees via email or similar electronic means.
If Cicis develops an Intranet, franchisees must use it in accordance with all applicable laws and in strict compliance with the standards, protocols, and restrictions that Cicis includes in its manuals. These standards, protocols, and restrictions relate to the encryption of confidential information and prohibitions against the transmission of libelous, derogatory, or defamatory statements.
Cicis also reserves the right to require franchisees to obtain and use an email address associated with their registered domain name. If Cicis requires this, franchisees must comply with the then-current System Standards. Cicis will have unrestricted access to all such email accounts and may deactivate any account or limit access at any time. Franchisees must use such email addresses only in connection with the operation of their restaurants and in compliance with all laws.