Upon expiration or termination of the Engel & Volkers Franchise Agreement, what happens to the franchisee's Internet or Website addresses and domain names?

According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, upon expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement, the franchisee is required to transfer their Internet or Website addresses and domain names to Engel & Volkers if requested in writing. The franchisee will not receive any compensation for this transfer. This policy is detailed within the section concerning electronic commerce and trademark usage. Engel & Volkers mandates that the franchisee's website be a subdomain of the Engel & Volkers website, and the franchisor retains control over the domain names associated with the franchise.

This requirement has significant implications for a prospective Engel & Volkers franchisee. Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, the franchisee loses control of their website and domain name, which could impact their ability to maintain an online presence or transition to a new business. Since the franchisee's website is a subdomain of Engel & Volkers' main website, the franchisor maintains control over the online presence of its franchisees. This ensures brand consistency and allows Engel & Volkers to manage its online reputation effectively.

In the franchise industry, it is common for franchisors to maintain control over brand-related online assets, including websites and domain names. This control helps ensure uniformity and quality across all franchise locations. However, franchisees should carefully consider the implications of relinquishing their domain name upon termination, as it could affect their future business endeavors. Prospective franchisees should discuss this policy with Engel & Volkers to fully understand the process and any potential options for mitigating the impact of transferring their domain name.