Under the Christies International Real Estate agreement, what are the Marks and System used for?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Subject to the provisions contained in this Agreement, including all exhibits and related documents, and Operations Manual, we grant you a non-exclusive license to own and operate a CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE business (the "Business").
You shall market, hold out and otherwise position the Marks as a leading luxury brand.
You shall not represent that you own any of the Marks.
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.
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."
We reserve (for ourselves and our affiliates) reserve all rights to engage in all activities associated with CHRISTIES INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE Marks, and all rights to engage in any business, licensing, franchising, or other activities associated with other brands, marks, and real estate brokerage systems, anywhere in the world, not specifically granted to you under this Agreement or expressly prohibited under this Agreement, or expressly prohibited from us engaging in under this Agreement.
(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
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate FDD, the Marks and System are primarily used for operating a Christies International Real Estate business. Christies International Real Estate grants franchisees a non-exclusive license to operate a real estate business under their brand, contingent upon adherence to the agreement, related documents, and the Operations Manual.
The agreement specifies that franchisees must market and position the Marks as a leading luxury brand. Franchisees are restricted from implying ownership of the Marks and must use them correctly, specifically in the phrase "CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE." The Marks should not be used in conjunction with other trademarks that could suggest a more luxurious service than that offered under the Christies International Real Estate brand.
Christies International Real Estate retains all rights to activities associated with the Marks and other real estate brokerage systems not explicitly granted to the franchisee. This includes the right to operate or franchise businesses under the Marks outside the franchisee's protected territory and through various channels, including the internet. They also reserve the right to advertise the System anywhere, including online, and to modify or discontinue website use featuring the Marks.