What aspects of advertising must an Engel & Volkers franchisee comply with the System Documentation?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee shall utilize only those design formats for advertising and displays which have been provided by Franchisor which are subject to ongoing improvement in the interests of Franchisee and the standardization of the ENGEL & VÖLKERS System. In the interests of standardizing the ENGEL & VÖLKERS System, Franchisee shall obtain the prior written consent of Franchisor to each and every advertising and/or sales promotion campaign design format unless it does not essentially depart from those previously practiced or recommended by Franchisor and/or does not deviate from those outlined in the System Documentation. In order to ensure uniform application of the ENGEL & VÖLKERS System, Franchisee must obtain Franchisor's prior written consent to every planned advertising and promotional design format which differs significantly from the type of activity practiced or recommended by Franchisor and/or from the instructions contained in the System Documentation.
Additionally, Franchisee is not permitted to use any text, copy, photography, images, sound, and/or video to promote its services and/or listings unless Franchisee has proper authorization or a license to do so on any websites, mobile applications, other electronic media, public relations initiatives, social media, photography, any other advertising, marketing or any other business measures. Franchisee agrees to refrain from any business or advertising practice which might injure Franchisor's business or the goodwill associated with the ENGEL & VÖLKERS System or Trademarks.
Franchisor shall be entitled to set requirements and restrictions on advertising, promotion and other activities that it determines, in its sole discretion, negatively impacts the business
of one or more other franchisees or that is specifically targeted or directed towards the protected areas of one or more other franchisees. Such requirements and restrictions are intended to balance the ability of franchisees to freely compete in the marketplace and the right of a franchisee to operate within its protected area without undue interference from other franchisees, and Franchisor shall have full discretion in its determination of such balance. Franchisee agrees to comply with all such requirements and restrictions.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines outlined in the System Documentation regarding advertising and promotional materials. Franchisees are required to use only the design formats provided by Engel & Volkers for advertising and displays, as these are subject to ongoing improvements and standardization efforts. Any deviation from these pre-approved formats or from advertising practices recommended by Engel & Volkers requires prior written consent from the franchisor. This ensures that all advertising aligns with the brand's standards and image.
Engel & Volkers franchisees must also obtain authorization or a license before using any text, copy, photography, images, sound, or video to promote their services or listings across various platforms, including websites, mobile applications, electronic media, public relations initiatives, and social media. This requirement aims to prevent copyright infringement and maintain the integrity of promotional content. Franchisees are prohibited from engaging in any business or advertising practices that could harm Engel & Volkers' business or the goodwill associated with its system or trademarks.
Engel & Volkers retains the right to set requirements and restrictions on advertising, promotion, and other activities that it believes could negatively impact other franchisees or that target other franchisees' protected areas. These measures are intended to balance franchisees' ability to compete freely with the rights of franchisees to operate within their protected areas without undue interference. Compliance with these requirements and restrictions is mandatory for all franchisees, ensuring a consistent and fair approach to advertising and marketing within the Engel & Volkers franchise system.