For Engel & Volkers, what is the sole purpose for which the franchisee is granted the right to use the trademarks?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 4.3 Franchisee's Rights: Franchisee is hereby granted a non-exclusive franchise for the Term to use the Trademarks listed in Section 4.1 solely for the purpose of operating its Residential Real Estate Brokerage under this Agreement.
Franchisee may use the Trademarks in connection with the publication of its activity under this Agreement in its correspondence (including its business documents, letterheads, listing presentations, business cards, etc.) and also in advertisements, subject to compliance with the standards stipulated by Franchisor and in the System Documentation.
Franchisee shall use the trademark ENGEL & VÖLKERS® and other Trademarks solely in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and System Documentation and shall not use or apply for the registration of any mark or names confusingly similar to any Trademark, or use or apply for the registration of any mark or name that incorporates in whole or in part any Trademark, or, use or cause such marks or names to be registered that would prejudice the rights attaching to any Trademark in any other way whatsoever.
Franchisee shall also not use the Trademarks in the metaverse, and Franchisor reserves, maintains, and controls all right with respect to the use of the System and the Trademarks in the metaverse.
- 4.4 Individual Personnel Are Not Independently Licensed to Use Trademarks: Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that no one employed or contracted by Franchisee's Residential Real Estate Brokerage in any capacity, including any licensed real estate agent ("Sales Advisor") or person otherwise affiliated with Franchisee's Residential Real Estate Brokerage has any direct or independent right or license to use the Trademarks, but rather that their use of the Trademarks comes under and is subject to and contingent upon Franchisee's license to use such marks as set forth in this Agreement.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engel & Volkers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is granted the right to use the trademarks solely for operating a residential real estate brokerage. Specifically, the franchisee's rights are non-exclusive and are granted for the term of the agreement to use the trademarks for the purpose of operating their Residential Real Estate Brokerage.
Engel & Volkers permits franchisees to use the trademarks in connection with their business activities, including correspondence such as business documents and letterheads, as well as in advertising. However, this usage is subject to compliance with the standards stipulated by Engel & Volkers and detailed in the System Documentation. The franchisee must adhere strictly to the provisions outlined in the agreement and System Documentation when using the ENGEL & VÖLKERS® trademark and other trademarks.
It is important to note that individual personnel employed or contracted by the franchisee's Residential Real Estate Brokerage, such as licensed real estate agents, do not have independent rights to use the trademarks. Their use of the trademarks is contingent upon the franchisee's license and adherence to the agreement. Furthermore, franchisees are restricted from using the trademarks in the metaverse, as Engel & Volkers retains all rights related to the use of the System and the trademarks in that virtual space.