Does Christies International Real Estate control all rights with respect to the metaverse?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Digital Marketing. All digital marketing must comply with our social media policy in the Brand Guidelines that are contained in the Operations Manual. We also reserve, maintain, and control all rights with respect to the metaverse. As used herein, "metaverse" means any 3D virtual space powered by technologies – including virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain – that allows people to interact with each other and to have lifelike experiences online.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 26–33)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document, Christies International Real Estate maintains and controls all rights regarding the metaverse. The FDD defines "metaverse" as any 3D virtual space powered by technologies including virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain, that allows people to interact and have lifelike experiences online.
This means that as a franchisee, you cannot independently develop or market any metaverse-related initiatives using the Christies International Real Estate brand without explicit permission. Christies International Real Estate retains complete control over how the brand is represented and utilized within any metaverse environment.
For a prospective franchisee, this highlights the importance of understanding the scope of control Christies International Real Estate exerts over digital marketing and branding. While franchisees are expected to engage in digital marketing, all activities must adhere to the brand guidelines and policies set forth by Christies International Real Estate, as outlined in the Operations Manual. This includes any presence or activities related to virtual or augmented reality environments.