Does a Christies International Real Estate franchisee have the right to control the development of future Christies International Real Estate businesses?

According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees do not have the right to exclude, control, or impose conditions on the development of future Christies International Real Estate businesses. Christies International Real Estate retains the right to develop future licensed, franchised, company, or affiliate-owned businesses at any time or location. This means that Christies International Real Estate can establish new franchises or company-owned outlets, or license its brand to other businesses, without needing the franchisee's consent or providing any compensation.

This lack of control extends to various aspects of the business. Christies International Real Estate reserves the right to engage in activities associated with its marks, including licensing, franchising, and other business activities related to its brands and real estate brokerage systems, anywhere in the world. This includes the right to own and operate, or grant licenses or franchises to others to operate, Christies International Real Estate offices outside of a franchisee's protected territory. They can also operate any kind of business under the Christies International Real Estate marks, including through electronic means like the internet and websites, regardless of location.

Christies International Real Estate also retains the right to operate businesses under different names, trademarks, and logos, even if they offer similar services to Christies International Real Estate businesses, and regardless of location, including within a franchisee's protected territory. They can also merge with, acquire, or be acquired by other businesses, even those similar to Christies International Real Estate, without franchisee input. This broad reservation of rights underscores that franchisees have limited control over the brand's overall development and market presence.

For a prospective franchisee, this means that Christies International Real Estate retains significant control over the brand's expansion and market strategy. Franchisees should be aware that Christies International Real Estate can establish competing businesses, both within and outside their protected territory (if one is granted), and through various channels, without providing compensation. This highlights the importance of carefully evaluating the terms of the License Agreement, particularly the scope of any protected territory and the potential for competition from other Christies International Real Estate businesses or affiliated brands.