What restrictions will Potbelly Sandwich Works place on electronic communications within the Intranet?
Potbelly_Sandwich_Works Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may, at our option, establish and maintain an Intranet. We will establish System Standards for the Intranet's use. These System Standards will address, among other things, (1) restrictions on using abusive, slanderous, or otherwise offensive language in electronic communications, (2) restrictions on communications among franchisees endorsing or encouraging breach of any franchisee's franchise agreement, (3) confidential treatment of materials we transmit via the Intranet, (4) password protocols and other security precautions, (5) grounds and procedures for our suspending or revoking a franchisee's access to the Intranet, and (6) a privacy policy governing our access to and use of electronic communications that franchisees post on the Intranet. We expect to adopt and adhere to a reasonable privacy policy. However, as the Intranet's administrator, we have the right to access and view any communication posted on the Intranet. You acknowledge that the Intranet and all communications posted to it are our property, free of any privacy or privilege claims that you or any other person may assert.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 79)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Potbelly Sandwich Works's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company may establish and maintain an Intranet for communication within the Potbelly system. If Potbelly Sandwich Works chooses to implement an Intranet, it will establish System Standards governing its use. These standards will include several restrictions on electronic communications.
Specifically, Potbelly Sandwich Works will restrict the use of abusive, slanderous, or otherwise offensive language in electronic communications. They will also restrict communications among franchisees that endorse or encourage breaches of any franchise agreement. Franchisees must treat materials transmitted via the Intranet as confidential. Password protocols and other security precautions will be in place. Potbelly Sandwich Works will also establish grounds and procedures for suspending or revoking a franchisee's access to the Intranet.
Additionally, Potbelly Sandwich Works will adopt a privacy policy governing their access to and use of electronic communications that franchisees post on the Intranet. However, as the Intranet's administrator, Potbelly Sandwich Works retains the right to access and view any communication posted on the Intranet. The FDD states that the Intranet and all communications posted to it are the property of Potbelly Sandwich Works, free of any privacy or privilege claims.