What visual features must the Engel & Volkers franchisee remove from their offices immediately upon termination?

According to the 2025 Engel & Volkers Franchise Disclosure Document, upon termination of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must immediately remove all typical visual features used by the Engel & Volkers system for Engel & Volkers offices and residential real estate brokerages. This includes any branding, logos, or design elements that are characteristic of the Engel & Volkers brand.

This requirement ensures that the franchisee's former business location no longer appears to be associated with the Engel & Volkers brand. This prevents potential confusion among customers and protects the integrity of the Engel & Volkers brand identity. The franchisee is responsible for ensuring that the office is completely de-branded to avoid any misrepresentation.

In addition to removing visual features, the franchisee must also ensure that the general appearance of their residential real estate brokerage and its marketing and advertising materials, after de-branding, do not appear significantly similar in design elements to those used by the Engel & Volkers system. This extends the de-branding requirement beyond just the removal of logos and trademarks to include overall design aesthetics. Franchisees should carefully review all aspects of their office and marketing materials to ensure compliance with these requirements to avoid potential legal issues or disputes with Engel & Volkers after termination.