Can Christies International Real Estate grant a franchisee the right to establish a website for their business?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(e) to promote, sell, and distribute products, items, and other materials under the Marks or other trademarks through dissimilar channels of distribution (i.e., other than the operation of a CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE office within the Protected Territory), including by electronic means such as the Internet, applications, by websites we may establish, catalog sales, telemarketing, or other direct marketing sales;
(f) To advertise the System anywhere, including, without limitation, on the Internet (or any other existing or future form of electronic commerce) and to create, operate, maintain, and modify, or discontinue the use of a website or any online presence using the Marks;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document, Christies International Real Estate retains specific rights regarding the use of its marks, including the right to create, operate, maintain, modify, or discontinue a website or any online presence using the Christies International Real Estate marks. This means that while franchisees can engage in online activities, Christies International Real Estate maintains ultimate control over the brand's online presence and can operate its own websites.
Christies International Real Estate also reserves the right to promote, sell, and distribute products, items, and other materials under the Marks or other trademarks through dissimilar channels of distribution, including by electronic means such as the Internet, applications, by websites they may establish, catalog sales, telemarketing, or other direct marketing sales. This indicates that Christies International Real Estate can engage in online sales and marketing activities independently of its franchisees.
This reservation of rights allows Christies International Real Estate to maintain brand consistency and control over its online representation, which is a common practice in franchising. However, it also means that franchisees may have limited autonomy in establishing their own websites and online marketing strategies, as they must adhere to the franchisor's guidelines and standards. Prospective franchisees should clarify the extent to which they can customize or control their online presence and marketing efforts.