Does the Coffee News franchise agreement require franchisees to comply with social media policies?
Coffee_News Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 8.15 Compliance with Coffee News Social Media Policies.
Franchisee acknowledges and agrees to comply with Coffee News Social Media Policies that Coffee News adopted that may be amended from time to time.
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. A copy of the Coffee News Social Media Policy is attached hereto as Schedule D to this Agreement and all content of the Policy is incorporated as part of the Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 36–118)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Coffee News Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must comply with Coffee News' social media policies, which may be amended. Franchisees are responsible for their social media content and must follow all laws, regulations, and third-party site terms. Coffee News is not liable for the franchisee's social media use and has no obligation to monitor compliance. Franchisees must ensure their employees and representatives also comply with these policies. Schedule D to the Franchise Agreement includes a copy of the Coffee News Social Media Policy, and its content is part of the agreement.
The Coffee News Social Media Policy outlines guidelines for franchisees' online interactions, emphasizing the protection of Coffee News' intellectual property, brand goodwill, and contractual rights. The policy acknowledges that advertising provisions in the Franchise Agreement and Franchise Disclosure Document cover social media use, and it provides specific guidelines under these provisions. Coffee News may require franchisees to use franchisor-provided content to maintain brand consistency. Coffee News can also monitor social media use and remove content that violates the policy, laws, or is inconsistent with its trademarks or logo.
Coffee News suggests franchisees follow general guidelines, such as being professional, responsible, honest, and using meaningful and respectful comments. Franchisees should avoid offensive language, politics, religion, and potentially judgmental personal opinions. The document also suggests a username format including "Coffee News" and the franchisee's city to maintain brand consistency. Franchisees must comply with all laws and regulations applicable to social media use, including prohibitions against defamation, harassment, and infringement of intellectual property. They must also adhere to confidentiality restrictions and disclose any endorsements or compensated promotions, in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Coffee News reserves the right of ownership to its franchisees' social media accounts, content, and associated domain names, aligning with the Coffee News Franchise Agreement. Franchisees are required to post disclaimers stating that their views do not necessarily reflect Coffee News' position. These policies aim to ensure that franchisees use social media responsibly and in a way that protects the Coffee News brand and complies with legal requirements.