What might Christies International Real Estate have to do if their right to use an unregistered trademark is challenged?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
*We and IP owner do not have a federal registration for two of our principal trademarks described above and marked with an asterisk. Therefore, these two trademarks do not have as many legal benefits and rights as a federally registered trademark. If our (or IP Owner's) right to use these trademarks is challenged, you may have to change to an alternative trademark, which may increase your expenses.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 38–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Christies International Real Estate's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, two of their principal trademarks do not have federal registration. Because these trademarks lack federal registration, they do not have as many legal benefits and rights as a federally registered trademark.
If Christies International Real Estate's right to use these unregistered trademarks is challenged, franchisees may have to change to an alternative trademark. This change could potentially increase the franchisee's expenses as they rebrand their business.
This situation highlights the importance of trademark protection for a franchise system. While Christies International Real Estate does have registered trademarks, the lack of registration for some marks introduces a degree of risk for franchisees. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the specific unregistered trademarks and the potential costs associated with rebranding if a challenge arises.