Can an Exit franchisee's legal name include the name 'EXIT'?
Exit Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (B) The Trade Style name is the name under which the Franchisee shall conduct business, and shall be different than Franchisee's legal entity name. Franchisee's legal name shall not include the name "EXIT."
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–235)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Exit's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an Exit franchisee's legal name cannot include the name "EXIT". The document specifies a clear distinction between the trade name, which must include "EXIT", and the franchisee's legal entity name.
The trade name, under which the franchisee conducts business, must include the word "EXIT" along with either "Realty" or "Real Estate", and must be approved by the subfranchisor. The word "EXIT" must be positioned at the beginning of the name and must always be in all caps. This trade name is distinct from the franchisee's legal name.
This restriction ensures that Exit maintains control over its brand identity and avoids potential legal or consumer confusion. It also allows Exit to enforce consistent branding across all franchise locations, as the trade name is the primary identifier for the business. Franchisees must also obtain written consent from the subfranchisor before changing either the trade name or the legal name.