Draft Regulations Relating To Signage In Quebec And French Language

On May 4, 2016, the Quebec government followed through on its plan to amend the Charter of the French Language (the "Charter"), publishing draft regulations which require the sufficient presence of French when a trademark in a language other than French is displayed on signage or posters outside a place of business.

Just over a year ago, the Quebec Court of Appeal unanimously upheld the Superior Court decision that the Charter did not require a descriptive French term to be added to non-French trademarks on signage. The Quebec Government did not seek a further appeal but announced plans to amend the Charter, requiring Quebec businesses to add French to their outdoor signage, without altering registered trademarks. The Charter is intended to promote and protect the French language in Quebec and is administered by the Office québécois de la langue française ("OQLF").