The red square, a symbol made famous during the 2012 student protests in Quebec, cannot be trademarked, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office has ruled.

A small red felt square held in place by a gold safety pin became the ubiquitous symbol of last year's student protest movement in Quebec against tuition-fee hikes. Now, it's becoming a brand. A ...

MONTREAL — The red square that became emblematic of the 2012 Quebec student protest movement cannot be used as a trademark, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office has ruled.

The tiny square has been prominently displayed on Marois’ lapel during the last session of the legislature. In fact, all members of the PQ caucus wore it. But those days are over.