The National Association of REALTORS® on Friday announced the appointment of Leslie Nettleford-Freeman to a new position on NAR’s legal team: associate general counsel, vice president of legal affairs and brand protection. The role elevates NAR’s commitment to defend the REALTOR® trademark, one of its most valuable member benefits.
From SCR hotline:
Several SCR members have received trademark correction letters from NAR’s outside trademark enforcement law firm in Chicago directing the REALTOR® to make corrections to their advertising and marketing using NAR’s trademark REALTOR®
NAR has stated that NA will review your trademark use (REALTOR®) upfront if you email your advertising and marketing to NAR at trademark@nar.realtor
An upfront NAR review of your NAR trademark use can save you money because you will not have to change your marketing later for NAR trademark violations.
One short memory aid, use the trademark in front of your name like you would use Mrs. or Mr. or Miss or Ms.
REALTOR® Jane Doe
REALTOR® John Doe
If you put the trademark behind your name, you have to use a comma.
Jane Doe, REALTOR®
John Doe, REALTOR®
If you use the trademark in a sentence or phrase, what NAR calls a contextual use; you have to mention that you are a member of the association so that the reader does not believe the trademark refers to being a real estate licensee.
REALTOR® Jane Doe, a member of NAR, is experienced in finding your dream home.
John Doe, a REALTOR® member of NAR, has ten years experience in beach front home sales.
When using the @ symbol, a quick memory aid is to put your name in the middle of the trademark and any adjective or geography or descriptor:
Contact the SCR legal hotline info or trademark@nar.realtor
https://www.nar.realtor/membership-marks-manual
This information is only accurate as of 8/7/25. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 8/7/25 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org)
This information is not legal advice. This information is intended only to provide general information and may not be relied upon as specific legal guidance. Legal counsel should always be consulted before acting in reliance on this information.