Under what conditions can Coffee News remove content posted by a franchisee?

According to Coffee News' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Coffee News reserves the right to monitor franchisees' social media usage to protect its brand. Coffee News, at its sole discretion, can remove or require a franchisee to remove content under certain conditions. These conditions include content that violates the Coffee News Social Media Policy, contravenes any laws or regulations, or is deemed inconsistent with the appropriate use of Coffee News' trademarks and/or logo. This policy underscores Coffee News' commitment to maintaining a consistent brand image and protecting its intellectual property. Franchisees must comply with all laws and regulations applicable to social media use.

This means that as a Coffee News franchisee, you are responsible for the content you post and must ensure it aligns with the brand's image, legal requirements, and the company's social media policy. Failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in Coffee News intervening to remove the content. The policy also states that franchisees are not encouraged to mention their competitors on their social media, but if they do, they must follow the guidelines contained in the policy.

It is important to note that Coffee News does not assume liability for a franchisee's social media activities, nor does its approval of social media usage guarantee compliance with laws and regulations. Franchisees are responsible for monitoring their own employees and representatives to ensure policy compliance. Given the evolving nature of technology, the Social Media Policy is subject to change at any time, requiring franchisees to stay informed of updates.

Prospective franchisees should carefully review the Social Media Policy (Schedule D) and understand the implications of these content restrictions. It is also advisable to seek clarification from Coffee News regarding specific examples of prohibited content and the process for content review and removal. Understanding these conditions is crucial for maintaining a positive relationship with the franchisor and avoiding potential conflicts.