If Counselor Realty does not approve advertising materials, what can they require the franchisee to do?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may develop advertising materials for your own use, at your own expense. Advertising materials and media (including print, audio, video, website and computer-transmitted media) must conform at all times to Counselor's brand standard and image. If Counselor determines, in its sole discretion, that any advertising materials or media do not conform to Counselor's brand standard or image, you will alter or remove any such advertising materials or media, as directed in writing by Counselor. You have the option to develop your own website as part of your overall promotion strategy. Your use of Counselor's trademarks in any advertising materials and media must conform at all times to the requirements set forth in the Franchise Agreement. Counselor does not currently require any advertising materials or media to be approved by Counselor prior to you using them, but reserves the right to review and approve any advertising materials or media (and to require you to alter or cease using all or any portion of such advertising materials or media 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 advertising materials for their business. However, these materials must always conform to Counselor Realty's brand standards and image.
Counselor Realty reserves the right to review and approve any advertising materials, even though they do not currently require approval before use. If Counselor Realty determines that any advertising materials or media do not meet their brand standards, they can direct the franchisee in writing to either alter or remove the non-compliant advertising. This includes print, audio, video, website, and computer-transmitted media.
This means a Counselor Realty franchisee needs to ensure all advertising aligns with the franchisor's brand guidelines. Failure to do so could result in being required to change or completely remove the advertising at the franchisee's expense. While franchisees have creative freedom, Counselor Realty maintains control over brand image and consistency.