REALTOR® Logo & Trademark Rules 2026 | MS REALTORS® Institute

The Mississippi REALTORS® Institute encourages REALTORS® to uphold the highest standards of professionalism—not only in how they serve clients, but also in how they represent the REALTOR® brand. Correct REALTOR® branding is more than a design preference; it is a legal requirement, a membership responsibility, and a critical factor in maintaining public trust in the real estate profession.

The term REALTOR® is a federally registered trademark owned by the National Association of REALTORS®, and its proper use distinguishes REALTORS® from non-members. In January 2026, NAR released updated trademark education videos and branding resources to reinforce the importance of correct usage. These tools provide timely guidance for Mississippi REALTORS® reviewing their marketing, advertising, and online presence in the year ahead.

What REALTOR® Really Means—and Why It Is a Trademark

REALTOR® is not a generic job title for real estate agents or brokers. It is a collective membership mark that identifies individuals who are active members of the National Association of REALTORS® and who agree to abide by its Code of Ethics. Because REALTOR® is a protected trademark under U.S. law, it must always be used in a way that clearly communicates membership—not occupation.

The term REALTOR® should appear in all capital letters and, when practical, include the registered trademark symbol (®). In both written and spoken communication, REALTOR® should never replace terms such as “real estate agent” or “broker” when referring to licensees generally. Using the mark correctly helps preserve its legal strength and protects the value of REALTOR® membership for professionals across Mississippi.

The Correct Way to Use the REALTOR® Name and Logo in Real Estate Marketing

NAR’s Core REALTOR® Trademark Rules emphasize three foundational principles: proper formatting, proper contextual use, and avoiding descriptive wording.

Whenever REALTOR® is used, it must clearly reference membership in the National Association of REALTORS®. Examples of compliant usage include:

“Jane Doe is a REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.”
“John Smith is a real estate broker and a REALTOR®.”

In marketing materials such as websites, business cards, email signatures, signage, and advertisements, REALTOR® should be separated from a member’s name by punctuation and never used as a descriptive phrase. The REALTOR® logo must also be used exactly as provided by NAR—without altering colors, proportions, or design elements—and in accordance with recognized standards for proper trademark use in marketing.

Common REALTOR® Branding and Trademark Mistakes to Avoid

Many trademark violations stem from treating REALTOR® as a generic term rather than a membership mark. Common mistakes include:

Using “realtor” as a generic job title, such as “I’m a realtor” or “call your local realtor”
Combining REALTOR® with descriptive phrases like “Top Mississippi REALTORS®” or “Best REALTOR® Team,” which suggest a class of professionals rather than members
Embedding REALTOR® into business names, team names, or domain names where it functions as part of a trade name instead of an indicator of membership

Avoiding these errors supports compliance while reinforcing the credibility and professionalism associated with the REALTOR® brand, consistent with principles of truthful and non-misleading advertising.

Using the REALTOR® Marks on Social Media and Online Advertising

NAR’s trademark rules apply equally to social media platforms and digital advertising. REALTOR® may appear in usernames only when used in connection with a member’s name or the legal name of a member brokerage. Descriptive handles such as “TopMississippiRealtor” or “RealtorDeals” are not permitted.

Because some platforms limit capitalization and special characters, NAR allows flexibility in handles. However, REALTORS® should still present the mark correctly in profile bios, posts, images, and linked website content. Digital advertising should always tie REALTOR® usage directly to membership and avoid language that treats the term as a generic description of real estate professionals.

Where Mississippi REALTORS® Can Find Official NAR Branding Guidance

NAR provides extensive REALTOR® trademark resources, including its January 2026 video series covering core trademark rules, proper contextual use, logo formatting essentials, and members’ license to use the marks. Additional resources include the Membership Marks Manual, social media trademark FAQs, and downloadable logo assets.

For Mississippi REALTORS®, the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute integrates these national standards into Mississippi-specific real estate education. As the education division of the Mississippi Association of REALTORS® and the only real estate school in the state with a 40-year track record of superior quality, outstanding customer service, and proven results, MRI helps REALTORS® apply NAR’s trademark rules to real-world marketing, advertising, and social media practices.

Why Correct REALTOR® Branding Matters in 2026

Accurate use of the REALTOR® name and logo protects the legal integrity of the trademark while signaling professionalism, ethical commitment, and ongoing education to consumers. As digital marketing and online visibility continue to shape consumer perception, correct branding plays an increasingly important role in credibility and trust.

With refreshed NAR trademark education resources now available, Mississippi REALTORS® have an ideal opportunity to review their websites, signage, business cards, and social media profiles to ensure every use of REALTOR® is correct, compliant, and strategic.

Supporting Mississippi REALTORS® Through Education

The Mississippi REALTORS® Institute provides Mississippi REALTORS® with high-quality education, nationally recognized certifications, and continuing education opportunities designed for today’s real estate market.

For details on continuing education options, Code of Ethics training, and professional resources, REALTORS® are encouraged to visit realtorinstitute.org or contact the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute at 601-932-5241—the trusted education partner of Mississippi REALTORS®.

Why Correct REALTOR® Branding Matters for Mississippi REALTORS® in 2026