Who owns the Corcoran Marks and registrations?
Corcoran Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We own all of the Marks and the above registrations. The registrations have been renewed on a timely basis and all appropriate maintenance affidavits have been filed. As of the issuance date of this disclosure document, there are no agreements currently in effect which could significantly limit our right to use or to sublicense the Marks in a manner material to you.
We must ensure that all franchisees utilizing the Marks meet our standards.
You must follow our rules when you use the Marks. You may only use the Marks in the operation of your Franchise and in accordance with the Franchise Agreement, the P&P Manual and the Brand Guide, which contain detailed instructions for use of the Marks. In order to protect and uphold our standards, we have incorporated various quality control provisions into the Franchise Agreement. You must fully comply with each and all of the mandatory provisions and standards.
You must use the Corcoran Mark in combination with your trade name, which is the name you must operate the Business solely under. You must identify yourself as the independent owner of the Franchise. You may
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 59–60)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Corcoran's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Corcoran owns all of its Marks and registrations. The document states that these registrations have been renewed on a timely basis, and all necessary maintenance affidavits have been filed. Additionally, as of the issuance date of the disclosure document, there are no agreements in effect that could significantly limit Corcoran's right to use or sublicense the Marks in a way that would be material to franchisees.
This ownership is crucial for franchisees because it ensures that Corcoran has the legal right to license these Marks to them. The timely renewal and maintenance of registrations indicate that Corcoran is actively protecting its intellectual property, which benefits franchisees by maintaining the brand's integrity and recognition. The absence of agreements that could limit the use of these Marks provides further assurance that franchisees will be able to use them without significant restrictions.
Corcoran also requires franchisees to meet certain standards when using the Marks, ensuring brand consistency across all franchise locations. Franchisees must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Franchise Agreement, the P&P Manual, and the Brand Guide, which contain detailed instructions for the proper use of the Marks. This includes using the Corcoran Mark in combination with the franchisee's trade name and identifying themselves as independent owners of the franchise. These measures are in place to protect and uphold Corcoran's brand standards and quality control.
Prospective franchisees should be aware that Corcoran has the right to change or discontinue the use of the Marks, although franchisees will be given at least 90 days to comply with any such changes. Franchisees are also obligated to notify Corcoran promptly of any unauthorized use of the Marks or any challenges to their right to use them. Corcoran will then take appropriate action, and franchisees are required to cooperate in any related legal matters. These provisions highlight the importance of brand protection and the shared responsibility between Corcoran and its franchisees in maintaining the integrity of the Marks.