Advisory Opinion: 1824

Year Issued: 1998

RPC(s): RPC 7.1(a); 7.4

Subject: Advertising; use of "CFE" designation on advertising materials

The Committee researched and reviewed your inquiry regarding the use of "CFE" ["Certified Franchise Executive"] designation on marketing materials and determined the following:

Such use of the designation "CFE", particularly without clarification, would seem to violate RPC 7.1(a) and 7.4 because the designation omits the facts necessary to make the statement not materially misleading. To the extent that the designation conveys the idea that it is law related it violates RPC 7.4(b)(2) and (3).

Advisory Opinions are provided for the education of the Bar and reflect the opinion of the Committee on Professional Ethics (CPE) or its predecessors. Advisory Opinions are provided pursuant to the authorization granted by the Board of Governors, but are not individually approved by the Board and do not reflect the official position of the Bar association. Laws other than the Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct may apply to the inquiry. The Committee's answer does not include or opine about any other applicable law other than the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct.