How should a Christies International Real Estate franchisee conduct advertising and public relations?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
methods of advertising, media employed, and scope, contents, terms and conditions of advertising, marketing, promotional and public relations campaigns, and programs. Upon written request, we will provide you an annual unaudited statement of the receipts and disbursements of the Advertising Fund for the most recent calendar year. Any end-of-year surpluses or shortages in the Advertising Fund in a given year will carry over to the next year.
- 7.2. Local Advertising and Promotions. All advertising and promotions must conform with the Operations Manual, including the Brand Guidelines. We may require you to use our advertising templates or materials in accord with our Operations Manual, including our Brand Guidelines, or as we otherwise approve in writing. If you use or develop your own marketing materials for your Business, we, in our sole discretion, have the right to require you to remove any marketing materials or advertising that do not comply with the Operations Manual, Brand Guidelines or any laws. You shall not, directly or indirectly, advertise commission rates through any medium (including, but not limited to, print advertising, digital advertising, and social media). You agree to conduct all advertising and public relations in a dignified manner and to conform to the standards and requirements we specify from time to time in the Operations Manual or other written materials.
- 7.3. Additional Marketing Programs.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate FDD, franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines for advertising and promotions. All advertising and promotional activities must comply with the Operations Manual, including the Brand Guidelines set forth by Christies International Real Estate. The franchisor retains the right to mandate the use of their advertising templates and materials, ensuring brand consistency across all franchise locations.
If a franchisee chooses to develop their own marketing materials, Christies International Real Estate holds the authority to require the removal of any materials that do not align with the Operations Manual, Brand Guidelines, or applicable laws. This ensures that all marketing efforts reflect the brand's standards and comply with legal requirements. Franchisees are responsible for ensuring their advertising and business practices do not harm other Christies International Real Estate businesses or the overall goodwill associated with the brand's trademarks.
Christies International Real Estate may establish an Advertising Fund, requiring franchisees to contribute a monthly advertising fee, capped at 3% of Gross Revenue. The franchisor manages this fund and decides on advertising methods, media, and campaign terms. While franchisees contribute to the Advertising Fund, there is no guarantee that individual franchisees will directly benefit from specific advertising placements in their local market. The franchisor also has a perpetual, non-exclusive license to use the franchisee's, their employees', and their agents' names and likenesses for advertising and trade purposes without compensation.