What standards must a Christies International Real Estate franchisee follow when using the Marks?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
expressly authorized such use in writing. You agree to display the Marks prominently and in the manner we direct on all signs and forms. Subject to our rights described in this Agreement, you agree to obtain fictitious or assumed name registrations as may be required under applicable law.
- 6.3. Additional Limitations on Your Use of the Marks Pursuant to the Trademark License Agreement. Our and your use of the Marks is subject to the Trademark License Agreement. You agree to the following additional obligations, pursuant to our obligations under the Trademark License Agreement:
- (a) You shall not represent that you own any of the Marks.
- (b) You shall not use any Marks that consist of or incorporate "CHRISTIE'S" in any manner other than in the phrase "CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE."
- (c) You shall not use the font of the "CHRISTIE'S" Marks for any words other than "CHRISTIE'S."
- (d) You must use the Marks in combination with the marks set forth in Section 7 of Exhibit 1 of this Agreement, which may be modified from time to time in writing, with our prior written consent.
- (e) You shall market, hold out and otherwise position the Marks as a leading luxury brand. You shall not market, hold out or otherwise position any other trademarks, trade names, service marks, domain names, logos or other commercial symbols as being associated with more luxurious real estate brokerage services or more luxurious real estate properties than those offered, marketed or sold under the Marks.
- (f) You agree that you are neither directly nor indirectly controlled by Sotheby's Inc., Phillips Auctioneers Limited, Beijing Poly International Auction Co. Ltd., China Guardian Auctions Co. Ltd., or their successors (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Realogy Holdings Corp. and its affiliates, for so long as it is licensed to use the Sotheby's Marks), or any other competitor that we may designate from time to time.
- (g) Your rights under this Agreement are contingent on you marketing, selling, or leasing only "luxury real estate" and maintaining an average selling price for properties that we designate from time to time, as further described in the Operations Manual, which definitions of, and formulas for calculating, "luxury real estate" are prescribed by IP Owner in the Trademark License Agreement. You may designate properties as "luxury real estate" based on your market and relevant market and competitive issues; provided however, that we have the right to require you to remove such designations in our sole discretion.
- (h) You shall not acquire, file, seek to register or otherwise obtain any registration or application for any Mark that consists of, incorporates, could reasonably be expected to be confusingly similar to or dilutive of, or is a variation of, any of 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, franchisees must adhere to specific standards when using the brand's Marks. These standards are designed to protect the integrity and luxury image of the Christies International Real Estate brand.
Specifically, franchisees cannot represent that they own any of the Marks and must only use "CHRISTIE'S" in the phrase "CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE." They are also restricted from using the font of the "CHRISTIE'S" Marks for any words other than "CHRISTIE'S." The Marks must be used in combination with other marks as outlined in Section 7 of Exhibit 1 of the agreement, which may be updated. Franchisees are required to market and position the Marks as a leading luxury brand and cannot associate other trademarks with more luxurious real estate services or properties. Additionally, franchisees must not be directly or indirectly controlled by specified competitors like Sotheby's Inc. and must market, sell, or lease only "luxury real estate," maintaining an average selling price as defined in the Operations Manual.
Christies International Real Estate also has entity name requirements. Franchisees cannot use the Marks, including the words "CHRISTIE'S" or "CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE" in the name of their business entity. However, they must operate under the trade name or DBA "CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE" with a unique suffix or prefix approved by Christies International Real Estate. This Trade Name must be displayed according to the Operations Manual and Brand Guidelines and cannot be changed without prior written consent. These detailed requirements ensure brand consistency and prevent misuse of the Christies International Real Estate Marks, reinforcing its position in the luxury real estate market.