How does the Coffee News Social Media Policy relate to the advertising provisions in the Franchise Agreement?
Coffee_News Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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:
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 36–118)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Coffee News Franchise Disclosure Document, the Coffee News Social Media Policy provides guidelines under the advertising provisions outlined in both the Franchise Agreement and the Franchise Disclosure Document. The policy aims to help franchisees make respectful and appropriate decisions regarding their online interactions concerning Coffee News. 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 use of social media sites and has no obligation to monitor compliance. Franchisees are responsible for monitoring their own employees to ensure policy compliance. The policy is subject to change due to the evolving nature of technology.
The Coffee News Franchise Agreement emphasizes the franchisee's agreement to comply with the Coffee News Social Media Policies, which may be amended periodically. The policy is included as Schedule D to the Franchise Agreement, making its content an integral part of the agreement. Franchisees must adhere to general guidelines, such as maintaining professionalism, being honest, and posting respectful comments. They are also advised to use a username format that includes "Coffee News" followed by their city to maintain brand consistency.
To protect its brand image, Coffee News retains the right to monitor franchisees' social media usage and remove any content that violates the Social Media Policy, breaches laws or regulations, or is inconsistent with the appropriate use of its trademarks and logo. Franchisees are required to post disclaimers indicating that their views do not necessarily reflect the position of Coffee News. Franchisees are prohibited from defaming competitors, using copyrighted materials unlawfully, or violating privacy laws. They must also comply with the 2012 FTC Endorsement Guidelines when endorsing products and disclose any compensated relationships. Any goodwill generated from a franchisee's social media account belongs to Coffee News, which reserves ownership rights to these accounts and associated domain names. Franchisees may be required to use content provided by Coffee News to maintain brand consistency.