Does the Engel & Volkers franchise agreement specify the term length during which the franchisee can use the trademarks?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We grant you the non-exclusive right to use the service marks ENGEL & VÖLKERS®, E&V®, GG® and GG GLOBAL GUIDE® and other trademarks, including the unregistered mark of the new ENGEL & VÖLKERS logo pictured on the cover page of this disclosure document, in the operation of your franchised business during the term of your Franchise Agreement. You may also use other current or future trademarks we own or are licensed to use to operate your franchised business as permitted by the System Documentation. By "Trademarks" we mean various Engel & Völkers trade names, trademarks, service marks, logotypes, trade dress and other commercial symbols and slogans used to identify your franchised business, and the GG and GG GLOBAL GUIDE marks.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 56–59)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Engel & Volkers Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are granted the right to use Engel & Volkers' trademarks during the term of their Franchise Agreement. Specifically, this includes the non-exclusive right to use service marks such as ENGEL & VÖLKERS®, E&V®, GG® and GG GLOBAL GUIDE®, along with other trademarks, including the unregistered mark of the new ENGEL & VÖLKERS logo. The trademarks can be used in the operation of the franchised business.
This means that as long as the Franchise Agreement is active and in good standing, franchisees have the franchisor's permission to use these trademarks to identify and promote their business. This right is crucial for leveraging the brand recognition and goodwill associated with Engel & Volkers. However, this right is not indefinite; it lasts only for the duration of the franchise term.
Upon termination or expiration of the Franchise Agreement, the franchisee's right to use the trademarks immediately ceases. The franchisee must then discontinue all use of the trademarks, including removing them from their business name and transferring any related website addresses or domain names to Engel & Volkers. This underscores the importance of understanding the terms of the Franchise Agreement and planning for the eventual end of the franchise relationship, whether through renewal, sale, or termination. Engel & Volkers maintains control over its brand identity and ensures consistent representation across all franchise locations.