What actions are considered reasonable methods of contact by the Coffee News franchisor?
Coffee_News Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As the Franchisor of the Coffee News franchises, Coffee News USA, Inc. ("Coffee News" or "We") acknowledge that various technology and social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, blogs, message boards, wikis, social networking services, video and photo sharing websites, etc., are changing the way people interact. The use of the social media to promote businesses is getting more popular than ever. We respect and support Coffee News Franchisees' (or "your") rights to interact with others through social media in a responsible and knowledgeable manner.
In the meantime, Coffee News, as it has always been, is committed to protect its interest including without limitation its Intellectual property rights, the goodwill associated with the Coffee News brand, contractual rights under the Coffee News Franchise Agreement, and the rights not to be harmed by conduct of others whose activities that Coffee News is not legally responsible. Coffee News Social Media Policy (the "Policy") will help the Coffee News franchisees make respectful and appropriate decisions about their interactions with others concerning Coffee News on the Internet. It is acknowledged that both Coffee News Agreement and Coffee News Franchise Disclosure Document contain the governing provisions relating to advertising which cover the use of social media. This Policy provides you with certain guidelines under the advertising provisions.
It is acknowledged that the Franchisees are responsible for their own content posted or published through the social media and are responsible for complying with all laws and regulations and third-party site terms and conditions. Coffee News will not have any liability for the Franchisee's use of social-media sites. Additionally, Coffee News does not have responsibility or obligation for monitoring Franchisee's compliance with such laws, regulations, and third-party terms and conditions. Any approval by Coffee News of the use of social media sites or monitoring thereof does not constitute a representation that the Franchisees are in compliance with these laws, regulations or terms and conditions. The Franchisees are responsible for monitoring their own employees, representatives, agents, etc. to ensure compliance with these requirements set forth in the Policies. Given the constant change and development of the technology, this Policy is subject to change and modification at any time.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 36–118)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Coffee News Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor outlines specific communication methods and expectations, particularly regarding social media. Coffee News acknowledges the increasing importance of social media for business promotion and supports franchisees' responsible engagement on these platforms. However, Coffee News emphasizes the need to protect its intellectual property, brand goodwill, and contractual rights. To this end, Coffee News has established a Social Media Policy that franchisees must adhere to. This policy supplements the advertising provisions in the franchise agreement and disclosure document.
Coffee News holds franchisees accountable for the content they post on social media, requiring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and third-party site terms. Franchisees must avoid actions such as defaming competitors, harassing individuals, infringing on copyrights, or misusing proprietary information. All posts must be truthful and not misleading. The policy also addresses the use of confidential information, endorsements, and testimonials, ensuring franchisees comply with relevant guidelines, including the FTC Endorsement Guidelines.
Furthermore, Coffee News retains ownership of the goodwill generated from franchisees' social media accounts and reserves the right to ownership of these accounts, their content, and associated domain names. This comprehensive approach to social media reflects Coffee News's commitment to managing its brand image and protecting its interests in the digital space. The policy is subject to change as technology evolves, highlighting the need for franchisees to stay informed and adaptable.