The Red Square: The Québec Students Protest Symbol Is Not A Trademark

In the Fédération Étudiante Collégiale du Québec v. Raymond Drapeau decision, the Trademark Opposition Board refused registration of Mr. Drapeau's trademark application for the red square held by a golden pin.

In 2012, the province of Québec was hit by one of the longest and most important student strikes in its history, also called Printemps Érable (Maple Spring). Students protested each day in the streets of Montréal in response to the provincial government's attempt to raise university tuition fees.

Two important symbols were adopted by the striking students: making a racket with pots and pans and wearing a red square held by a golden pin. The latter was proudly worn not only by student protestors, but also by their supporters, including several MPs of the Québec National Assembly. The red square quickly became a strong symbol of identification with the student movement against rising tuition fees.