What should Coffee News franchisees do to make respectful and appropriate decisions about their interactions on the Internet?
Coffee_News Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Total current assets | 216,980 | 2 27,576 | | Total assets | $216,980 | $ 2 27,576 |
SCHEDULE D
Coffee News Social Media Policy For Coffee News Franchisees
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.
WHEREFORE, Coffee News adopts the following Social Media Policies that all Coffee News Franchisees shall follow:
1. General Guidelines:
Coffee News suggests that all Franchisees, comply with the following general guidelines:
- a. Be professional and remember that you are part of the Coffee News brand. Wherever possible or appropriate, disclose your franchisee relationship with Coffee News.
- b. Keep your post and comments about your business.
- c. Be responsible and honest at all times.
- d. Be credible, accurate, fair and thorough.
- e. Post meaningful, respectful comments. No spam and no language that is offensive to others. When disagreeing with other's opinions, be objective and respectful.
- f. Keep in mind that your online post and comments are permanent.
- g. Whenever you post Coffee News trademark and/or logo online, make sure that you use the trademark and logo correctly in consistent with the Coffee News brand. We take great care to protect the brand and our web efforts and so should you.
- h. Do not post or link to any materials that are defamatory, harassing or indecent.
- i. Do not give a personal opinion that can be construed as judgmental. Do not talk about politics or religion. Stay away from causes.
- j. If you are unsure of whether you should post something or not, do not post it.
- k. Be aware of praise and criticisms posted by other people, competitors, customers, vendors about Coffee News and share those posts with Coffee News.
2.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 36–118)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Coffee News Franchise Disclosure Document, Coffee News franchisees are expected to adhere to a social media policy that guides their online interactions. This policy is designed to protect Coffee News's brand, intellectual property, and goodwill, while also respecting the franchisees' rights to engage on social media responsibly. Franchisees are responsible for the content they post and must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and third-party site terms. Coffee News assumes no liability for a franchisee's social media activities or their compliance with these external rules. Franchisees are also expected to monitor their employees' online activities to ensure policy adherence. The policy is subject to change as technology evolves. Franchisees must comply with Coffee News's social media policies, which may be updated periodically. Franchisees are accountable for their online content and must follow all relevant laws and third-party terms. Coffee News disclaims any liability for franchisees' social media use and is not obligated to monitor their compliance. Franchisees must also ensure their staff adheres to these policies. The policy may change due to technological advancements. Franchisees are expected to follow general guidelines, including being professional, disclosing their franchisee status where appropriate, and keeping posts business-related. They should be responsible, honest, credible, accurate, and fair in their online communications. Comments should be respectful and free of spam or offensive language. Franchisees should remember that online content is permanent and use Coffee News trademarks and logos correctly. They are prohibited from posting defamatory, harassing, or indecent material, expressing judgmental personal opinions (especially on politics or religion), and should refrain from posting if unsure about its appropriateness. Franchisees should also monitor online praise or criticism of Coffee News and share it with the franchisor. Franchisees are obligated to comply with all laws and regulations applicable to social media use. Prohibited actions include defaming others, harassment, infringing on intellectual property, discrimination, violating privacy laws, misusing proprietary information, and breaching ethical standards. All posts must be truthful and not misleading. While mentioning competitors is discouraged, franchisees must adhere to the policy's guidelines if they do so. Franchisees are prohibited from disclosing Coffee News's confidential or proprietary information, commenting on legal or internal matters, and must protect the proprietary information of clients, customers, and suppliers. They must also comply with the 2012 FTC Endorsement Guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials, disclosing any compensation received for promoting products. Any goodwill generated from a franchisee's social media account belongs to Coffee News, which reserves ownership rights over these accounts, their content, and associated domain names. Coffee News may require franchisees to use franchisor-generated content to maintain brand consistency and reserves the right to remove content that violates the policy, laws, or is inconsistent with its trademarks and logo. Franchisees must post disclaimers stating that their views do not necessarily reflect Coffee News's position.