What is the date of the license agreements that allow Engel & Volkers to use the trademarks?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
E&V Residential, which previously owned the Trademarks ENGEL & VÖLKERS and E&V, licensed them to E&V International, who in turn licensed them to U.S. Holding GmbH to use them, and in turn, U.S. Holding GmbH licensed them to us. We also have the right to use the unregistered mark of the house pictured on the cover page of this disclosure document. Grund Genug Verlag, which owns the stylized GG trademarks, has licensed them to E&V International, which in turn licensed U.S. Holding GmbH, and, in turn, U.S. Holding GmbH has licensed them to us. All the license agreements are dated January 9, 2006.
E&V Residential transferred ownership of the ENGEL & VÖLKERS and E&V Trademarks to E&V Marken on February 7, 2008. E&V Marken in turn has licensed E&V Residential to use the marks they formerly owned. In 2025, E&V Marken and E&V Residential are expected to merge, leaving E&V Residential as the surviving entity. E&V Residential, will then again become the owner of the ENGEL & VÖLKERS and E&V trademarks.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 56–59)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Engel & Volkers Franchise Disclosure Document, the license agreements that allow Engel & Volkers to use the trademarks are dated January 9, 2006. Engel & Volkers has been granted an exclusive license to use the Engel & Völkers System and Trademarks in the U.S. by U.S. Holding GmbH through a General Licensing Agreement. U.S. Holding GmbH, in turn, received a master license from E&V Residential under a separate, virtually identical license agreement.
This licensing structure means that Engel & Volkers's right to use its brand name and associated trademarks depends on these underlying agreements. A prospective franchisee should be aware that the strength and security of the Engel & Volkers brand relies on the continuation and validity of these license agreements. Any changes or termination of these agreements could potentially affect a franchisee's ability to use the Engel & Volkers brand.
It is also important to note that E&V Residential transferred ownership of the ENGEL & VÖLKERS and E&V Trademarks to E&V Marken on February 7, 2008. E&V Marken then licensed these back to E&V Residential. The FDD indicates that E&V Marken and E&V Residential are expected to merge in 2025, with E&V Residential becoming the surviving entity and regaining ownership of the trademarks. This detail suggests a possible simplification of the licensing structure in the near future. A franchisee should monitor these changes and seek clarification from Engel & Volkers on how these changes might impact their franchise agreement and trademark usage rights.