Does Engel & Volkers permit the use of future trademarks not currently owned by them?
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 Engel & Volkers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may be able to use future trademarks. Engel & Volkers grants franchisees the non-exclusive right to use specific service marks and other trademarks in the operation of their franchised business during the term of the Franchise Agreement.
Specifically, franchisees may use other current or future trademarks that Engel & Volkers owns or is licensed to use, as permitted by the System Documentation. This means that while franchisees are granted rights to use specific trademarks like ENGEL & VÖLKERS®, E&V®, GG® and GG GLOBAL GUIDE®, they may also be required to adopt new trademarks if Engel & Volkers determines to use substitute trademarks.
Engel & Volkers maintains control over trademark usage, requiring franchisees to comply with directions to modify and discontinue the use of replaced trademarks and adopt new ones at their own expense. Engel & Volkers will not be liable for any expenses, losses, or damages that the franchisee may incur as a result of these changes. Franchisees are also restricted from using confusingly similar names as part of their company's business name without prior written permission and must adhere to the System Documentation for trademark use in electronic commerce.