What trademarks are included as intellectual property rights within the Engel & Volkers System?

According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Engel & Volkers System includes specific trademarks as part of its intellectual property rights. These trademarks are ENGEL & VÖLKERS®, E&V®, GG®, and GG GLOBAL GUIDE®, along with related marks, designs, and know-how. These trademarks are essential for franchisees to operate their residential real estate brokerage under the Engel & Volkers brand. Engel & Völkers Marken GmbH & Co. KG owns the ENGEL & VÖLKERS® and E&V® trademarks, while Grund Genug Verlag und Werbe GmbH owns the GG® and GG GLOBAL GUIDE® trademarks. These marks have been registered in the United States and other countries.

Engel & Volkers grants franchisees a non-exclusive right to use these trademarks for operating their Residential Real Estate Brokerage. Franchisees can use the trademarks in their correspondence, business documents, advertisements, and other publications, provided they comply with the standards set by Engel & Volkers and outlined in the System Documentation. Franchisees are explicitly prohibited from using confusingly similar marks or names, or registering any mark that incorporates the Engel & Volkers trademarks, to protect the brand's integrity.

Engel & Volkers retains control over the use of its trademarks, especially in emerging platforms like the metaverse, where franchisees are not allowed to use the trademarks. Engel & Volkers also reserves the right to modify or discontinue any of the trademarks or adopt additional or substitute trademarks. Franchisees must adhere to these changes. Upon termination of the franchise agreement, franchisees must immediately cease using the Engel & Volkers System, including the trademarks, and remove the Engel & Volkers name from their business name and related registrations.