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