Who is E&V International in relation to the Engel & Volkers 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 Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, E&V International plays a role in licensing the Engel & Volkers trademarks. E&V Residential, the initial owner of the ENGEL & VÖLKERS and E&V trademarks, licensed them to E&V International. E&V International then sublicensed these trademarks to U.S. Holding GmbH, who in turn licensed them to the franchisor. This complex licensing arrangement, which was established through agreements dated January 9, 2006, gives Engel & Volkers the right to use these trademarks in its franchise operations.
Grund Genug Verlag, the owner of the stylized GG trademarks, also licensed them to E&V International. E&V International then sublicensed the GG trademarks to U.S. Holding GmbH, who subsequently licensed them to Engel & Volkers. This multi-layered licensing structure ensures that Engel & Volkers has the legal right to use all relevant trademarks necessary for operating a franchise.
It's 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 E&V Residential to use the marks they formerly owned. As of 2025, E&V Marken and E&V Residential are expected to merge, with E&V Residential becoming the surviving entity and regaining ownership of the ENGEL & VÖLKERS and E&V trademarks. This potential future change could simplify the licensing structure, but for now, Engel & Volkers operates under the existing multi-layered licensing agreements.