Branding – MelissaMonaghan

Branding parti in le Quebecois

Due to French Language laws in Quebec, six major companies are taking legal action against the Quebec Government. The government claims companies such as Walmart, the Gap, Best Buy and numerous others are in violation of the language laws because there is no French in their signs, slogans, and logos.

This is not a question of whether or not their brand is recognizable, but rather a external government force attempting to exert its influence over private english based businesses. If the Quebec government is successful, there will be numerous negative consequences for these big businesses.

It’s not as simple as just adding a few french words to a sign, the company would be changing it’s brand. In the case of KFC, they willing changed their name to “Poulet Frit Kentucky.” This is essentially altering the companies main identifier, its name, to fit the needs of the Quebec government. Trademarks and copy writes would have to be taken out, signage would have to change, logos, and any other vital aspect of the brand (no matter how small the change may be).

I feel like this issue is ultimately jeopardizing Quebec’s relationship with big business, potentially deterring future expansion into Quebec.

BANERJEE, SIDHARTHA 18/11/12, “Walmart, Costco, among businesses taking Quebec government to court over French signs”. http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/businesses+heading+court+against+Quebec+government+over+French/7567073/story.html

Branding American Elections

Image is a huge component in presidential campaigns; however, this is not limited to the actions or appearance of the candidates themselves, it is also applicable to the tiny little picture that represents each candidate in a big way. The article in Bostintio breaks down each candidates logos, the very basis for how they brand themselves.

This election year, Obama chose to reuse his previous logo from his 2012 campaign, in the hopes the poll results will mirror those of 2008. His logo is a “raising sun over the American flag”, not so coincidently forming the shape of an “O”.

Alternatively, Obama’s marketing team did switch his Motto from “Change We Can Believe in” to simply “Forward”. I interpreted this change in motto to reflect the change in direction of his current campaign.

I find it fascinating that Romney opted for the simplistic approach to his image. The “R” figure could not only reperent him, but also his party, the Republicans. It is also interesting to note that Romney opted for a more patriotic american approach when designing his motto “Believe in America”, clearly attempting to sway voters based on national pride.

Branding is such an important part of the presidential race because it is how the candidate will be preserved by the public during the election. The details behind the process are fascinating and applicable to not only politics, but also to the marketing, specifically branding, profession.

Peckham, Deb 05/10/12, “Presidential Branding: Trademarking on the Campaign Trail”. http://bostinno.com/channels/presidential-branding-trademarking-on-the-campaign-trail/