What materials used by Remax offices are claimed to be copyrighted by RE/MAX, LLC?
Remax Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
RE/MAX, LLC claims copyrights in various materials used by RE/MAX offices, including the Office Materials (which may include audiovisual works, manuals, handbooks, and workbooks). These copyrights have generally not been registered with the Copyright Office. You may use these various items only in the manner RE/MAX, LLC specifies and only while operating your Office under the Franchise Agreement.
In addition to its trademark registrations for the RE/MAX balloon design, RE/MAX, LLC owns the following copyright registrations:
| Work | Registration Number | Date | First Publication | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REMAX | "RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon Logo (Vertical-1998)" | VA 1-418-052 | 06/15/2007 | Approx. 03/01/1998 |
| RE/MEX | "RE/MAX Hot air Balloon Photograph (Vertical-1991)" | VA 1-418-053 | 06/15/2007 | Approx. 03/03/1991 |
Source: Item 14 — Patents, Copyrights, and Proprietary Information (FDD pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Remax's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, RE/MAX, LLC claims copyrights in various materials used by Remax offices. These Office Materials may include audiovisual works, manuals, handbooks, and workbooks. These copyrights have generally not been registered with the Copyright Office. Franchisees are allowed to use these items only in the manner RE/MAX, LLC specifies and only while operating their office under the Franchise Agreement.
In addition to the general claim on Office Materials, Remax also owns specific copyright registrations for the "RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon Logo (Vertical-1998)" and the "RE/MAX Hot air Balloon Photograph (Vertical-1991)". These were registered on June 15, 2007, with the copyright office. The first publication date for the "RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon Logo (Vertical-1998)" is approximately March 1, 1998, and for the "RE/MAX Hot air Balloon Photograph (Vertical-1991)" is approximately March 3, 1991.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that the materials provided for operating a Remax office are protected by copyright, even if not formally registered. Unauthorized use of these materials could lead to legal repercussions. Franchisees must adhere to Remax's specifications for using these materials and can only use them while operating under the Franchise Agreement. The franchisee must also notify RE/MAX, LLC of any copyright infringements.