Can Engel & Volkers withdraw consent for a franchisee's independent social media accounts?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 10.6 On-line Promotions/Social Media: Franchisee agrees and acknowledges that it will comply with Franchisor's online and social media policies which are subject to change by Franchisor from time to time. Franchisee agrees and acknowledges that individual franchisee websites, mobile applications and other electronic media are prohibited, that Franchisee will not maintain any website or mobile application for its Residential Real Estate Brokerage or any of its Sales Advisors and that Franchisee's on-line promotional strategies must comply with Franchisor's online policy. Franchisee may establish and maintain its own social media accounts, subject to Franchisor's social media guidelines in effect from time to time and Franchisor's right to withdraw consent for such independent social media accounts at any time. Franchisee further agrees and acknowledges that Franchisor may review and monitor all online content on social media sites, blogs, electronic communication and other online sites and applications on which the Trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights or any similar marks are used. Franchisee agrees to remove any usage or content that Franchisor requires, including without limitation, content that Franchisor deems to be scandalous, immoral or detrimental to Franchisor's image. Franchisee further agrees and acknowledges that Franchisor may prohibit use of the Trademarks and any confusingly similar marks on any site or all sites and applications.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may establish and maintain their own social media accounts. However, this is subject to Engel & Volkers' social media guidelines, which may change over time. Engel & Volkers retains the right to withdraw consent for these independent social media accounts at any time. This gives Engel & Volkers significant control over a franchisee's social media presence.
Engel & Volkers also has the right to review and monitor all online content on social media sites, blogs, electronic communication, and other online sites and applications where the Engel & Volkers trademarks are used. Franchisees must remove any usage or content that Engel & Volkers requires, including content deemed scandalous, immoral, or detrimental to Engel & Volkers' image. Engel & Volkers can also prohibit the use of trademarks and confusingly similar marks on any or all sites and applications.
This level of oversight is common in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their brand reputation and ensure consistent messaging. However, it's important for prospective Engel & Volkers franchisees to understand the extent of these restrictions and how they might impact their ability to market their business online. Franchisees should carefully review Engel & Volkers' social media guidelines and consider how they might affect their online marketing strategies.