For Christies International Real Estate, what is the significance of the 'Internet'?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
to CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE businesses regardless of where such businesses are located, including within the Protected Territory;
- (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; and
- (g) to engage in all other activities associated with the CHRISTIES INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE Marks not expressly prohibited under the License Agreement.
As indicated above, if the License Agreement does not designate a Protected Territory, then you have no territorial protection, we reserve all rights, and we and other Affiliates may operate real estate brokerages or other businesses under the CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE mark anywhere.
Minimum Performance Requirement
Your rights under the License Agreement are dependent on you achieving the minimum performance requirements identified on Exhibit 1 to the License Agreement (referred to as the "Minimum Performance Requirement").
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate FDD, the internet plays a significant role in how franchisees can conduct business. Christies International Real Estate allows franchisees to offer and sell real estate brokerage services through various channels of distribution, including the internet. However, the brand retains control over activities within the metaverse.
The FDD defines "Internet" broadly to include documents, designs, pages, communications, and platforms accessible through electronic means. This encompasses the Internet, the World Wide Web, social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, as well as blogs, vlogs, and other applications. This broad definition highlights the importance of online presence and digital marketing in the real estate business.
Christies International Real Estate also reserves the right to advertise the System anywhere, including on the Internet and any other existing or future form of electronic commerce. They can create, operate, maintain, modify, or discontinue the use of a website or any online presence using the Marks. This indicates that while franchisees can utilize the internet for their business, Christies International Real Estate maintains control over the brand's overall online presence and advertising strategies. Franchisees should stay updated on the franchisor's policies and guidelines regarding internet usage and marketing to ensure compliance and maximize their online reach.