Does Counselor Realty own slogans used in the System?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Counselor owns a proprietary and distinctive system for a network of full service residential and commercial real estate brokerage service businesses (the "System"). The System is described in the Franchise Agreement and in Counselor's Franchise Policy Guidelines. A current Franchise Agreement is included in this Franchise Disclosure Document at Exhibit B. Counselor and its affiliates own various names, trademarks, stylized logos, slogans, and symbols (the "Marks") used in the System. See Item 13.
The franchise described in this Franchise Disclosure Document is a license to operate one "Counselor" business ("Business") at a single location you choose (and to which we consent) (the "Office") within the Territory, which provides residential and commercial real estate brokerage services to customers at any location. See Item 12. The Franchise Agreement authorizes you to use certain Marks in the operation of a Business.
Counselor may make changes in the System, Marks, authorized products and services. You may have to change the manner in which you operate the Business, and make additional investments in the franchised Business, periodically during the term of the franchise if Counselor makes changes, or if the Business's equipment or facilities wear out or become obsolete, or for other reasons.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENT, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 7–8)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Counselor Realty Franchise Disclosure Document, Counselor Realty and its affiliates own various names, trademarks, stylized logos, slogans, and symbols used in the Counselor Realty system. These are collectively referred to as the "Marks." As a franchisee, you are authorized to use certain Marks in the operation of your Counselor Realty Business.
Counselor Realty retains the right to make changes to the System and the Marks periodically. This means that as a franchisee, you may be required to update your business operations and make additional investments to conform to any changes Counselor Realty implements.
The Franchise Agreement and Franchise Policy Guidelines further specify how franchisees are allowed to use Counselor Realty's Marks. Franchisees must adhere to these guidelines and any specifications provided by Counselor Realty. You cannot use any of the Marks as part of your corporate, partnership, or trade name without Counselor Realty's explicit consent. Counselor Realty maintains sole discretion in determining the steps to address any unauthorized use or infringement of its Marks, including complete control over any related litigation or settlements. Counselor Realty is not obligated to protect your use of the licensed Marks or protect you against claims of infringement or unfair competition.