What are some examples of standards and specifications that Hck Hot Chicken may establish for the Intranet?
Hck_Hot_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 7.14.2 Franchisee shall have the mere privilege to use the Intranet, subject to Franchisee's strict compliance with the standards and specifications, protocols, and restrictions that Franchisor may establish from time to time. Such standards and specifications, protocols and restrictions may relate to, among other things, (a) the use of abusive, slanderous or otherwise offensive language in electronic communications, (b) communications between or among franchisees that endorse or encourage Default of any franchisee's franchise agreement, or other agreement with Franchisor or its Affiliates, (c) confidential treatment of materials that Franchisor transmits via the Intranet, (d) password protocols and other security precautions, including limitations on the number and types of employees that may be granted access to the Intranet, (e) grounds and procedures for Franchisor's suspending or revoking a franchisee's access to the Intranet, and (f) a privacy policy governing Franchisor's access to and use of electronic communications that franchisees post to the Intranet. Franchisee acknowledges that, as administrator of the Intranet, Franchisor can technically access and view any communication that any person posts on the Intranet. Franchisee further acknowledges that the Intranet facility and all communications that are posted to it will become Franchisor's property, free of any claims of privacy or privilege that Franchisee or any other person may assert.
Source: Item 21 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FDD page 54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hck Hot Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor may establish and maintain an Intranet for communication between franchisees and the franchisor, as well as for disseminating the HCK Hot Chicken Brand Standards Manual, updates, and other confidential information. Hck Hot Chicken retains discretion and control over all aspects of the Intranet, including its content and functionality, and has no obligation to maintain it indefinitely. Franchisees have the privilege to use the Intranet, but must strictly comply with the standards, specifications, protocols, and restrictions that Hck Hot Chicken may establish.
The standards and specifications, protocols, and restrictions may relate to several aspects of Intranet usage. These include the prohibition of abusive, slanderous, or otherwise offensive language in electronic communications. They also cover restrictions on communications between franchisees that endorse or encourage default of any franchise agreement or other agreement with Hck Hot Chicken or its affiliates. Confidential treatment of materials transmitted via the Intranet is also mandated, along with password protocols and other security precautions, including limitations on the number and types of employees that may be granted access to the Intranet.
Furthermore, Hck Hot Chicken may establish grounds and procedures for suspending or revoking a franchisee's access to the Intranet, as well as a privacy policy governing Hck Hot Chicken's access to and use of electronic communications that franchisees post to the Intranet. The franchisee acknowledges that Hck Hot Chicken, as the administrator of the Intranet, can technically access and view any communication posted on it, and that all communications posted to the Intranet become Hck Hot Chicken's property, free of any claims of privacy or privilege.