What is a Christies International Real Estate franchisee required to do regarding the display of the Marks?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
expressly authorized such use in writing. You agree to display the Marks prominently and in the manner we direct on all signs and forms. Subject to our rights described in this Agreement, you agree to obtain fictitious or assumed name registrations as may be required under applicable law.
- 6.3. Additional Limitations on Your Use of the Marks Pursuant to the Trademark License Agreement. Our and your use of the Marks is subject to the Trademark License Agreement. You agree to the following additional obligations, pursuant to our obligations under the Trademark License Agreement:
- (a) You shall not represent that you own any of the Marks.
- (b) You shall not use any Marks that consist of or incorporate "CHRISTIE'S" in any manner other than in the phrase "CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE."
- (c) You shall not use the font of the "CHRISTIE'S" Marks for any words other than "CHRISTIE'S."
- (d) You must use the Marks in combination with the marks set forth in Section 7 of Exhibit 1 of this Agreement, which may be modified from time to time in writing, with our prior written consent.
- (e) You shall market, hold out and otherwise position the Marks as a leading luxury brand. You shall not market, hold out or otherwise position any other trademarks, trade names, service marks, domain names, logos or other commercial symbols as being associated with more luxurious real estate brokerage services or more luxurious real estate properties than those offered, marketed or sold under the Marks.
- (f) You agree that you are neither directly nor indirectly controlled by Sotheby's Inc., Phillips Auctioneers Limited, Beijing Poly International Auction Co. Ltd., China Guardian Auctions Co. Ltd., or their successors (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Realogy Holdings Corp. and its affiliates, for so long as it is licensed to use the Sotheby's Marks), or any other competitor that we may designate from time to time.
- (g) Your rights under this Agreement are contingent on you marketing, selling, or leasing only "luxury real estate" and maintaining an average selling price for properties that we designate from time to time, as further described in the Operations Manual, which definitions of, and formulas for calculating, "luxury real estate" are prescribed by IP Owner in the Trademark License Agreement. You may designate properties as "luxury real estate" based on your market and relevant market and competitive issues;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have specific obligations regarding the use and display of the brand's marks. Franchisees cannot represent that they own any of the marks and must only use "CHRISTIE'S" in the phrase "CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE." The specific font of the "CHRISTIE'S" mark can only be used for that word. Franchisees must use the marks in combination with other marks as outlined in Section 7 of Exhibit 1 of the agreement, which may be updated. They are also required to market the marks as a leading luxury brand and cannot position other trademarks as more luxurious.
Christies International Real Estate requires franchisees to operate under the trade name or DBA "CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE" with an approved unique suffix or prefix. This trade name must be displayed according to the Operations Manual and Brand Guidelines. Franchisees need written consent to change their trade name. Additionally, franchisees must install exterior signs displaying their trade name at their main and any additional offices within 90 days of the agreement's effective date. These signs must adhere to the Brand Guidelines, and any exceptions due to local ordinances require prior written permission and documentation.
These stipulations ensure brand consistency and prevent misuse of the Christies International Real Estate trademarks. By mandating specific usage and display guidelines, Christies International Real Estate aims to maintain its image as a luxury brand and protect its intellectual property. Franchisees must adhere to these requirements to avoid potential breaches of the franchise agreement.