Is a Counselor Realty franchisee required to notify Counselor Realty before launching or altering their website?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You have the option to develop your own website as part of your overall promotion strategy. Your website must conform at all times to Counselor's brand standard and image. If Counselor determines, in its sole discretion, that your website does not conform to Counselor's brand standard or image, you will alter or remove such website, as directed in writing by
Counselor. Your use of the our trademarks on your website must conform at all times to the requirements set forth in the Franchise Agreement. Counselor does not currently require your website to be approved by Counselor prior to you using it, but reserves the right to review and approve your website (and to require you to alter or cease using all or any portion of such website it does not approve).
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 17–21)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Counselor Realty's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have the option to develop their own website as part of their overall promotion strategy. While Counselor Realty does not currently require franchisees to have their websites approved before launch, the company retains the right to review and approve the website later. If Counselor Realty determines that a franchisee's website does not conform to the brand's standards and image, the franchisee will be required to alter or remove the website as directed in writing by Counselor Realty.
This policy means that while franchisees have some autonomy in creating their own online presence, they must ensure their website aligns with Counselor Realty's brand standards. Failure to comply with these standards could result in the franchisee being required to make alterations or even take down their website. The use of Counselor Realty's trademarks on the website must also adhere to the requirements outlined in the Franchise Agreement.
It is important for prospective franchisees to carefully review Counselor Realty's brand standards and trademark usage guidelines to avoid potential conflicts. Although pre-approval is not mandatory, understanding and adhering to these guidelines is crucial to maintaining a website that meets Counselor Realty's requirements and avoids the need for future alterations or removal. Franchisees should also stay informed about any updates to these standards to ensure ongoing compliance.