Who owns the Engel & Volkers trademarks GG® and GG GLOBAL GUIDE®?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
4.1 International Registered Trademarks: Engel & Völkers Marken GmbH & Co. KG ("E&V Marken") is the owner of the following trademarks and service marks which have been registered in the United States and in other countries: ENGEL & VÖLKERS® and E&V® (stylized lettering in red and black). Grund Genug Verlag und Werbe GmbH ("Grund Genug Verlag") is the owner of the following trademarks and service marks which have been registered in the United States and other countries: GG**®** (stylized lettering in red) and GG GLOBAL GUIDE**®** (stylized). Collectively these marks are called "Trademarks".
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engel & Volkers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Grund Genug Verlag und Werbe GmbH owns the GG® and GG GLOBAL GUIDE® trademarks and service marks. These marks are registered in the United States and other countries. Engel & Völkers Marken GmbH & Co. KG owns the ENGEL & VÖLKERS® and E&V® trademarks. All of these marks are collectively referred to as "Trademarks."
Engel & Volkers, as the franchisor, licenses these trademarks from their respective owners. As a franchisee, you are granted a non-exclusive franchise to use these trademarks specifically for operating your residential real estate brokerage during the term of your agreement. This use is subject to Engel & Volkers's standards and System Documentation.
As a franchisee, you cannot register any marks or names confusingly similar to Engel & Volkers's trademarks. You also cannot use the trademarks in the metaverse, as Engel & Volkers retains all rights related to the System and Trademarks in the metaverse. Franchisees acknowledge that neither they nor their personnel have any independent right to use the trademarks, as the right to use the trademarks is derived from the franchise agreement.