PARLEZ-VOUS FRANCAIS? RETAILERS IN QUEBEC MANDATED TO APPLY FRENCH SIGNAGE TO CANADIAN STOREFRONTS

The government in Quebec announced a proposed modification to the province’s sign rules that would require businesses ibn Quebec to add French to their outdoor signage. They did agree to retailers not having to alter their registered trademark names or logos. These retailers would be required to add a French word, description or slogan to their outdoor signage. The French words are not required to be larger than the non-French trademark name.

The government is requesting public feedback on the new proposed regulations for the next 45 days. WalMart’s regional president, Xavier Piesvaux, said the regulation “gives our companies the flexibility to communicate in French while keeping the integrity of our brand”. In 2014 major retailers, such as WalMart, Costco, Best Buy, Gap, Old Navy, Guess and Toys ‘R’ Us won a court battle ruling that storefront signs with their trademark in English does not contravene the Charter of the French Language.

Source: CBC CA NEWS