For Christies International Real Estate, what are the responsibilities of the Designated Owner regarding business communications?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must place a conspicuous notice on or near the entrance(s) of the Offices(s), that clearly states "EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED," or any modification of the statement as we may require in the Operations Manual ("Disclaimer").
You must include the Disclaimer on all signage, business cards, stationery, promotional and advertising materials, website and internet communications, email signature blocks, real estate documents, and all other materials you use.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate FDD, franchisees must include a specific disclaimer on all business communications. This disclaimer must state "EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED," or any modification of the statement as Christies International Real Estate may require in the Operations Manual.
This disclaimer must be conspicuously placed on or near the entrances of the franchised offices. Furthermore, the disclaimer's reach extends to all signage, business cards, stationery, promotional and advertising materials, websites and internet communications, email signature blocks, and real estate documents. This requirement ensures that all materials used by the franchisee clearly communicate the independent nature of the business ownership.
The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that customers and the public understand that each Christies International Real Estate office is independently owned and operated. This helps to avoid any confusion about liability or responsibility between the franchisor and the individual franchisee. By mandating the inclusion of this disclaimer across various communication channels, Christies International Real Estate aims to maintain transparency and clarity in its branding and operations.