What is the Engel & Volkers System, according to the franchise agreement?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 1.3 The "ENGEL & VÖLKERS System" includes the following elements:
- Intellectual property rights, including the trademarks ENGEL & VÖLKERS®, E&V®, GG®, GG GLOBAL GUIDE® and related marks, designs and know-how, unregistered rights to designs, and licenses, marketing and selling rights (hereinafter called "Trademarks");
- Unpatented, practical knowledge and experience of operating local real estate brokerages by the Engel & Völkers Group through experience gathered over many years (hereinafter called "Know-how");
- System-compatible interior decorations and furnishings and external design elements giving the real estate brokerage an attractive appearance, installed in accordance with Franchisor's interior decoration plans and outfitting standards (hereinafter called "Brokerage Design");
- Manuals which may be in electronic form, and all other documents describing the ENGEL & VÖLKERS System, including any amendments, additions and/or deletions or substitutions made by Franchisor (hereinafter called "System Documentation").
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Engel & Volkers System includes several key elements designed to support franchisees in operating a residential real estate brokerage. These elements encompass intellectual property rights, practical know-how, brokerage design, and system documentation. Specifically, the intellectual property rights include trademarks such as ENGEL & VÖLKERS®, E&V®, GG®, and GG GLOBAL GUIDE®. The system also incorporates unpatented knowledge gained from the Engel & Völkers Group's experience in operating local real estate brokerages over many years.
System-compatible interior decorations and furnishings, along with external design elements, are crucial for giving the real estate brokerage an attractive appearance, all installed according to Engel & Volkers' interior decoration plans and outfitting standards. The Engel & Volkers System Documentation includes manuals, which may be in electronic form, and all other documents describing the Engel & Volkers System, including any amendments, additions, deletions, or substitutions made by Engel & Volkers.
In practical terms, this means that as a franchisee, you are granted the right to use Engel & Volkers' established brand, operational knowledge, and design aesthetics to run your real estate business. You must adhere to the standards and guidelines set forth in the System Documentation to maintain the integrity and consistency of the Engel & Volkers brand. This comprehensive system aims to provide franchisees with a proven framework for success in the residential real estate market, ensuring that each brokerage operates in a manner that reflects the quality and reputation of the Engel & Volkers network.