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ARTICLE · 07 JULY 2021

Trademarks And Language: The Potential Impacts Of Bill 96

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In English-speaking North America, Quebec has vigorously fought for the preservation of the French language.

CanadaIntellectual Property
Jean-Philippe Mikus
Jean-Philippe Mikus
Eliane Ellbogen
Eliane Ellbogen
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In English-speaking North America, Quebec has vigorously fought for the preservation of the French language. The Charter of the French Language (the "Charter") is the province's pre-eminent legislative tool in this regard. Since its adoption in 1977, Quebec has periodically tightened its French language requirements, the most recent of which being Bill 96, An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec (the "Act").

Bill 96 was introduced by the Quebec government on May 13, 2021. The Bill proposes significant amendments to the Charter, including in the way it governs the use of French as the language of business and commerce in the province, with particular emphasis on public signage and commercial advertising. If Bill 96 passes in its current form, trademark owners will see their rights constrained in several ways.

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