As real estate professionals, we work hard to earn the trust of our clients and communities. But trust is built not just on transactions, it’s built on standards. One of the most recognizable marks of professionalism in our industry is the REALTOR® trademark.

Used for over 100 years and fiercely protected by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the REALTOR® brand is more than just a label. It represents a commitment to ethics, excellence, and client-first service.

Only NAR Members Are REALTORS®

A common misconception in our industry is that any licensed agent or broker can use the term REALTOR®. This is not the case. Only professionals who are active members of NAR have the right to use the REALTOR® trademark in their name, branding, or marketing.

When an agent joins NAR, they pledge to uphold a strict Code of Ethics, going above and beyond state licensing laws. They also gain access to exclusive tools, education, and advocacy support that empower them to deliver higher levels of service.

Why Proper Use Matters

NAR’s legal team takes brand protection seriously. The association has a long track record of defending the REALTOR® trademark, including a landmark 2004 ruling by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. That effort continues today with the appointment of Leslie Nettleford-Freeman as associate general counsel and vice president of legal affairs and brand protection.

This new role underscores NAR’s dedication to preserving the REALTOR® name as a symbol of trust and professionalism in real estate.

Stay Compliant, Stay Professional

To support members in correctly using the REALTOR® mark, NAR provides resources like the Membership Marks Manual and educational videos like “Make Our Marks Remarkable.” These tools explain the proper way to use the REALTOR® name and logo on business cards, email signatures, websites, and social media.

Because individuals must cease all use of the REALTOR® marks if their NAR membership lapses, members should carefully consider the use of the REALTOR® Marks on items that will be difficult or costly to replace, such as business signs, domain names, and email addresses.

Take the Next Step

Compliance isn’t just about avoiding legal trouble; it’s about honoring the profession and your commitment to clients.

We encourage every real estate professional to carefully review the NAR Membership Marks Manual to ensure all branding and promotional materials follow the trademark guidelines.

Your professionalism reflects not only on you but on the entire REALTOR® community. Let’s keep the mark meaningful for ourselves, for our peers, and for the clients we serve.