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Using the REALTOR® Trademark Revised July 1, 2003 ~ Reviewed April 2007 |
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The term REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark
owned exclusively by the National Association of REALTORS®
("NAR"). The REALTOR® membership mark serves the singular
function of identifying and distinguishing members of NAR. The mark is
licensed for exclusive use by members as a means of indicating their
membership status. Members are licensed to use the term REALTOR®
only in forms that are likely to highlight the registered status,
significance and special meaning of those MARKS in the eyes of the
public and distinguish them from words of ordinary use and other marks
or symbols. The REALTOR® membership mark is entitled to the protection provided to trademarks under federal law. The use of the REALTOR® mark is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the NAR Constitution and Bylaws and in accordance with other policies and guidelines adopted by NAR. The NAR Membership Marks Manual, which contains these guidelines, may be viewed on the NAR website at www.realtor.org/letterlw.nsf/pages/trademarkmanual. The use of REALTOR® as part of a corporate or business name is prohibited Pursuant to IV (A) of the NAR Membership Marks Manual, the use of the term REALTOR® as part of the corporate name or business name of any Member is prohibited. Other prohibited uses of the term REALTOR® Never use descriptive words or phrases to modify the marks. This is explicitly prohibited by Article V, Section 7 of the Bylaws of the National Association. Adjectives may suggest an improper vocational meaning and also tend to distort the consistent understanding and image of these terms, thereby undermining their identifying function:
When surfing the Web for real estate homepages, it's quite common to come across sites belonging to REALTOR®. If you are looking to add your own electronic presence on the Internet, it is easy to get caught up in designing your own web page and choosing a domain name which will capture the attention of surfers and make you easily identifiable. REALTORS® often want to use the REALTOR® marks as part of their domain name or address to distinguish themselves, but they must keep in mind that there are rules governing proper use of the REALTOR® marks that must be adhered to at all times regardless of the media used. These rules are found in the National Association's Membership Marks Manual. Here is a brief list of the principal rules affecting use of the REALTOR® marks in domain names:
Whether you use traditional print or media or the Internet, it is essential to use the REALTOR® marks in accordance with the rules and guidelines of the National Association. The REALTOR® marks should only be used to denote membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTOR®. Visit NAR's Graphic Standards and Style Guidelines for additional information. |
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