Does Christies International Real Estate have the right to use applications for electronic commerce?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
nd grant licenses or franchises to others to own and operate, CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE offices outside of the Protected Territory;
- (b) To own and operate, and grant licenses or franchises to others to own and operate, any business of any kind (other than an office located within your Protected Territory selling the same services as a CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE businesses) under the Marks at any locations within or outside of your Protected Territory, including by electronic means such as the Internet, applications, by websites we may establish, catalog sales, telemarketing, or other direct marketing sales;
- (c) To own and operate, and grant licenses or franchises to others to own and operate, any business of any kind, including a real estate business selling the same or similar services as CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE businesses, under any names, trademarks, service marks, logos and other commercial symbols other than the Marks, regardless of where such businesses are located, including within the Protected Territory;
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 33–38)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document, Christies International Real Estate retains specific rights regarding electronic commerce and various channels of distribution. Christies International Real Estate reserves the right to operate businesses, grant licenses, or franchises through electronic means, including the Internet and applications, regardless of a franchisee's protected territory. This means that Christies International Real Estate can leverage online platforms and apps to conduct business without compensating franchisees, even if it competes with their local operations.
Christies International Real Estate also reserves the right to promote, sell, and distribute products and materials under its trademarks through various channels, including electronic means like the Internet, applications, websites, catalog sales, telemarketing, or other direct marketing sales. Furthermore, Christies International Real Estate has the right to advertise the System anywhere, including on the Internet and any other form of electronic commerce. They can create, operate, maintain, modify, or discontinue any website or online presence using their marks.
For a prospective franchisee, this indicates that Christies International Real Estate maintains control over online sales and marketing efforts. Franchisees should be aware that Christies International Real Estate can utilize electronic commerce and other distribution channels without providing compensation to the franchisee, potentially impacting their market reach and revenue. Franchisees need to understand how Christies International Real Estate's online strategies might affect their local business and how they can integrate their operations with the franchisor's digital presence.