Is there a geographic limit to the non-disparagement clause for Focus Cfo franchisees?
Focus_Cfo Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee hereby agrees that he or she will not, either during the term of this Agreement or at any time following the termination hereof for any reason, disparage Focus CFO, the System or any officer, employee, licensee or franchisee of Focus CFO, or any business practice employed by Focus CFO or any officer, employee, licensee or franchisee thereof through any means of communication, including but not limited to the Internet, blog posts, reviews or social media platforms.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 37–126)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Focus Cfo Franchise Disclosure Document, the non-disparagement clause for Focus Cfo franchisees does not appear to have a geographic limit. The agreement states that the franchisee will not disparage Focus Cfo, the system, or any officer, employee, licensee, or franchisee through any means of communication, including the internet, blog posts, reviews, or social media platforms, during the term of the agreement or at any time following termination. This restriction applies regardless of location.
This means that a Focus Cfo franchisee is prohibited from making negative statements about the franchise, its personnel, or its business practices, irrespective of where the disparaging remarks are made. This obligation extends both during the active franchise term and even after the franchise agreement has ended.
The non-disparagement clause is a standard provision in many franchise agreements, designed to protect the brand's reputation. Franchisees should be aware that violating this clause could lead to legal repercussions. Focus Cfo emphasizes the importance of this clause by stating that it is an essential element of the agreement and that without it, Focus Cfo would not have entered into the agreement.