Does the definition of 'Marks' for Christies International Real Estate include domain names?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 21.9. "Marks" means the trademarks, service marks, and other trademarks, trade names, service marks, domain names, logos and commercial symbols that we have designated, or may in the future designate, for use in the System, which include CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Christies International Real Estate's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of "Marks" does include domain names. Specifically, the FDD states that "Marks" encompasses trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, logos, and commercial symbols designated for use within the Christies International Real Estate system.
This means that Christies International Real Estate franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines and restrictions regarding the use of domain names that incorporate the brand's identity. As the FDD further clarifies, franchisees cannot register Internet domain names that include any of the Marks, or any abbreviation, acronym, or variation of the Marks, or any other name that could be deemed confusingly similar without prior written approval from Christies International Real Estate.
Upon termination of the franchise agreement, franchisees must remove all Marks from their independent websites and, if their domain name contains any abbreviations, acronyms, or variations of the Marks, they must promptly assign or redirect all rights and access to the domain name to Christies International Real Estate. This ensures that Christies International Real Estate maintains control over its brand and online presence, even after a franchise relationship ends. These stipulations are typical in franchise agreements to protect the brand's identity and prevent potential confusion in the marketplace.