Exclusivity Agreement — Quebec
Province de Québec — Code civil du Québec
La présente convention d'exclusivité (ci-après la « Convention ») est conclue le [Date de la convention] à [Lieu de signature], conformément aux dispositions du Code civil du Québec (RLRQ, c. CCQ-1991) et de la Loi sur la concurrence (L.R.C. 1985, c. C-34).
ENTRE LES SOUSSIGNÉS :
**[Nom du Concédant]**, domicilié(e) ou ayant son établissement au [Adresse du Concédant], courriel : [Courriel du Concédant] — [Représentant du Concédant], (ci-après la « **Partie concédante** »)
**ET**
**[Nom de la Partie exclusive]**, domicilié(e) ou ayant son établissement au [Adresse de la Partie exclusive], courriel : [Courriel de la Partie exclusive] — [Représentant de la Partie exclusive], (ci-après la « **Partie exclusive** »)
La Partie concédante et la Partie exclusive sont ci-après collectivement désignées les « Parties » et individuellement une « Partie ».
PRÉAMBULE
ATTENDU que la Partie concédante détient des droits exclusifs sur les produits, services ou droits décrits aux présentes et souhaite accorder à la Partie exclusive des droits d'exclusivité dans le territoire défini, conformément aux modalités de la présente Convention ;
ATTENDU que la Partie exclusive souhaite obtenir ces droits exclusifs et s'engage à remplir les obligations prévues aux présentes ;
ATTENDU que les Parties ont négocié la présente Convention de bonne foi, conformément à l'article 1375 du Code civil du Québec ;
EN CONSÉQUENCE, en considération des engagements mutuels ci-après énoncés et de la valeur adéquate et suffisante de leurs contreparties respectives, les Parties conviennent de ce qui suit :
**OBJET DE LA CONVENTION.** La Partie concédante accorde à la Partie exclusive [Type d'exclusivité] pour ce qui suit : [Description de l'objet de l'exclusivité]. Pendant la durée de la présente Convention, la Partie concédante s'engage à ne pas accorder les mêmes droits à tout autre tiers dans le territoire défini à l'article 2 des présentes, sauf dans les cas expressément prévus par la Convention.
**TERRITOIRE.** Les droits d'exclusivité accordés à la Partie exclusive en vertu de la présente Convention sont limités au territoire suivant : [Territoire exclusif] (ci-après le « Territoire exclusif »). Hors du Territoire exclusif, la Partie concédante conserve tous ses droits, notamment celui de contracter avec d'autres distributeurs, agents, fournisseurs ou partenaires commerciaux.
**DURÉE.** La présente Convention entre en vigueur le [Date de début] et se termine le [Date de fin] — [Durée de la convention]. [Modalités de renouvellement]. La non-contestation par une Partie de l'expiration ou de la résiliation de la présente Convention ne constitue pas une renonciation à ses droits.
**OBLIGATIONS DES PARTIES.** Pendant toute la durée de la présente Convention :
5.1 **Obligations de la Partie concédante :** La Partie concédante s'engage à : (i) respecter l'exclusivité accordée à la Partie exclusive dans le Territoire exclusif pour les produits, services ou droits décrits à l'article 1 des présentes ; (ii) fournir à la Partie exclusive tout le soutien, la documentation et les renseignements nécessaires à l'exercice de ses droits exclusifs ; (iii) informer promptement la Partie exclusive de tout changement pouvant affecter les produits, services ou droits faisant l'objet de la présente Convention ; (iv) agir de bonne foi dans toutes les relations avec la Partie exclusive, conformément à l'article 1375 du Code civil du Québec.
5.2 **Obligations de la Partie exclusive :** La Partie exclusive s'engage à : (i) développer activement le marché pour les produits, services ou droits faisant l'objet de la présente Convention dans le Territoire exclusif ; (ii) respecter toutes les directives et normes de la Partie concédante relativement à la présentation, à la qualité et à la commercialisation des produits ou services ; (iii) se conformer à toutes les lois et réglementations applicables dans l'exercice de ses activités sous la présente Convention, notamment la Loi sur la concurrence (L.R.C. 1985, c. C-34) et la législation québécoise applicable ; (iv) agir de bonne foi dans toutes les relations avec la Partie concédante, conformément à l'article 1375 du Code civil du Québec.
**CONFIDENTIALITÉ.** Chaque Partie s'engage à garder strictement confidentiels tous les renseignements commerciaux, techniques, financiers et stratégiques de l'autre Partie dont elle aura connaissance dans le cadre de la présente Convention (ci-après les « Renseignements confidentiels »). Les Renseignements confidentiels ne comprennent pas les informations : (i) qui sont ou deviennent du domaine public autrement que par suite d'un manquement à la présente obligation ; (ii) que la Partie réceptrice connaissait déjà légitimement ; (iii) dont la divulgation est requise par la loi ou une ordonnance judiciaire. L'obligation de confidentialité survit à la fin de la présente Convention pour une période de deux (2) ans.
**RÉSILIATION.** [Conditions de résiliation]. **Effets de la résiliation :** [Effets de la résiliation]. En cas de résiliation fautive ou anticipée, la Partie fautive sera tenue de réparer tous les préjudices en découlant, conformément aux articles 1457 et suivants du Code civil du Québec.
**BONNE FOI.** Conformément à l'article 1375 du Code civil du Québec, les Parties s'engagent à se conduire de bonne foi dans la négociation, l'exécution et la résiliation de la présente Convention. Aucune Partie ne peut exercer ses droits en vertu des présentes d'une manière déraisonnable, de mauvaise foi ou dans l'intention de causer un préjudice à l'autre Partie.
**LOI APPLICABLE ET JURIDICTION.** La présente Convention est régie et interprétée conformément aux lois de la province de Québec et aux lois fédérales du Canada qui s'y appliquent, notamment le Code civil du Québec (RLRQ, c. CCQ-1991) et la Loi sur la concurrence (L.R.C. 1985, c. C-34). Tout litige découlant de la présente Convention sera soumis à la compétence exclusive des tribunaux compétents de la province de Québec.
**DISPOSITIONS GÉNÉRALES.** La présente Convention constitue l'intégralité de l'entente entre les Parties relativement à son objet et remplace tout accord, représentation ou engagement antérieur, verbal ou écrit. Toute modification doit être constatée par écrit et signée par les deux Parties. Si une disposition est déclarée nulle ou inexécutoire, les autres dispositions demeureront en vigueur. Les droits et obligations prévus aux présentes ne peuvent être cédés sans le consentement écrit préalable de l'autre Partie. La présente Convention lie les Parties et leurs successeurs et ayants droit respectifs.
EN FOI DE QUOI, les Parties ont signé la présente Convention d'exclusivité à la date et au lieu indiqués ci-dessus.
**Partie concédante :**
Nom : [Nom du Concédant]
**Partie exclusive :**
Nom : [Nom de la Partie exclusive]
Partie concédante
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Partie exclusive
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Exclusivity Agreement — Quebec?
A Quebec Exclusivity Agreement (Convention d'exclusivité) is a legally binding contract governed by the Code civil du Québec (arts. 1377–1456) and the federal Competition Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-34) that grants one party (the Exclusive Party) the exclusive right to distribute, sell, supply, negotiate, or commercially represent specific products, services, or rights within a defined geographic territory for a specified period. The party granting these exclusive rights is called the Granting Party (Partie concédante).
An exclusivity agreement is fundamentally a restraint on the granting party's freedom to contract with others in the defined territory. By entering into the agreement, the granting party commits not to appoint any other distributor, agent, reseller, or partner for the specified products or services in the exclusive territory during the agreement's term. This commitment has significant commercial value — it allows the exclusive party to invest in market development, build a customer base, and recover those investments without fear of direct competition from other appointees of the same granting party.
In Quebec civil law, exclusivity agreements are governed by the general law of obligations under the Code civil du Québec. The agreement must meet the general requirements for a valid contract under article 1385 CCQ: capacity of the parties, consent free from vices (error, fraud, duress), a lawful object, and a cause that is not prohibited by law or contrary to public order. The principle of good faith under article 1375 CCQ pervades the entire contractual relationship, from negotiation through performance and termination.
Exclusivity agreements in Quebec also intersect with federal competition law. The Competition Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-34) regulates exclusive dealing and market restriction arrangements. An exclusivity agreement may raise concerns under sections 75–77 of the Competition Act if it substantially prevents or lessens competition in a market. Agreements limited in time and territory, with legitimate business justifications, are generally permissible.
Exclusivity agreements are commonly used in distribution networks, franchise arrangements, technology licensing, real estate acquisition rights, talent representation, and brand licensing in Quebec. They provide a structured framework for building commercial relationships with clear boundaries, defined obligations, and measurable performance targets.
The Civil Code of Quebec (CCQ) arts. 1377-1456 govern contract formation and obligations for exclusivity arrangements. The Competition Act (federal) and the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF) provide additional oversight. Disputes are adjudicated by the Superior Court of Quebec or the Court of Quebec. Registraire des entreprises du Quebec handles business registration requirements. The Barreau du Quebec recommends legal review of exclusivity agreements involving significant commercial rights. Revenu Quebec administers tax obligations arising from exclusive commercial arrangements. CNESST oversight applies where the exclusivity arrangement involves employment-related obligations under the Act Respecting Labour Standards (CQLR c N-1.1).
When Do You Need a Exclusivity Agreement — Quebec?
You need a Quebec Exclusivity Agreement in the following situations:
Distribution and Retail Networks — When a manufacturer, supplier, or brand owner wants to appoint a single exclusive distributor for a region of Quebec or all of Quebec, confirming that their products are sold through one channel without competing distributors in the territory.
Franchise and Licensing Arrangements — When a franchisor or licensor grants exclusive territorial rights to a franchisee or licensee, preventing the grantor from appointing other franchisees or licensees in the same territory during the agreement's term.
Technology and Software Licensing — When a technology company grants exclusive rights to a reseller, value-added reseller (VAR), or systems integrator to sell or implement a software product or technology solution in a specific market.
Exclusive Supply Agreements — When a buyer secures an exclusive supply arrangement, guaranteeing that a supplier will not sell the same product or component to competitors within the buyer's market, protecting the buyer's competitive position.
Exclusive Negotiation Rights — When a prospective buyer of a business or real estate property secures the exclusive right to negotiate an acquisition for a defined period, preventing the seller from entertaining competing offers during that time.
Artist and Talent Representation — When a talent agency or manager secures exclusive representation rights for an artist, performer, or public figure in a specific territory or for a specific type of work.
Commercial Agency — When a principal grants an agent exclusive rights to solicit and negotiate commercial contracts in a specific territory, preventing the principal from dealing directly with clients in that territory or appointing competing agents.
Brand Licensing — When a brand owner grants exclusive rights to use a trademark, logo, or brand in a specific territory for a specific category of goods or services.
Without a written exclusivity agreement, the exclusive party may not have legally enforceable protection against the granting party appointing competing distributors, agents, or licensees in the same territory. Verbal exclusivity arrangements are extremely difficult to enforce and leave both parties exposed to disputes about the scope and duration of the exclusivity.
What to Include in Your Exclusivity Agreement — Quebec
Identification of the Parties — Full legal names, addresses, and authorized representatives of both the Granting Party and the Exclusive Party. If either party is a corporation, the authorized representative and their title must be identified to confirm corporate authority.
Subject Matter of Exclusivity — A precise description of the products, services, intellectual property rights, or activities subject to the exclusivity. Vague descriptions lead to disputes about whether a particular product or activity falls within the scope of the exclusive rights.
Type of Exclusivity — Clearly specify the type of exclusive right being granted: distribution, supply, sales, negotiation, commercial representation, or brand use. Different types of exclusivity carry different obligations and legal consequences.
Exclusive Territory — A precise geographic definition of the area within which the exclusive rights apply. Whether it is a province, a metropolitan area, specific municipalities, or all of Canada must be stated unambiguously. The granting party's obligations are limited to the defined territory.
Duration and Renewal — The start and end dates of the exclusivity, and whether the agreement automatically renews. Fixed-term exclusivity provides certainty; automatic renewal provisions must specify the notice period required to prevent renewal.
Minimum Commitments and Performance Targets — If the granting party requires the exclusive party to develop the market actively, minimum purchase volumes, sales targets, or customer acquisition goals confirm accountability. The agreement must specify how performance is measured, the consequences of underperformance, and the notice procedure.
Reporting Obligations — The exclusive party's obligation to provide sales reports, market intelligence, or customer data to the granting party, including frequency, format, and content requirements.
Non-Compete Obligations — Restrictions on the exclusive party from distributing, selling, or representing competing products in the territory, and restrictions on the granting party from appointing competing distributors or agents. Must comply with Competition Act requirements and CCQ article 2089 reasonableness standards.
Confidentiality — Protection of each party's commercial, technical, and financial information disclosed during the relationship, with a survival period after termination.
Termination — Grounds for early termination (material breach, insolvency, change of control), notice requirements, and the effects of termination on pending orders, outstanding obligations, and return of materials.
Good Faith (art. 1375 CCQ) — A declaration confirming that the parties negotiate, execute, and perform the agreement in good faith, consistent with Quebec civil law obligations.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction — Specification that Quebec law governs, including the Code civil du Québec and the Competition Act, with exclusive jurisdiction of Quebec courts.
Additional compliance elements for a Exclusivity Agreement — Quebec used in Quebec include: Data Protection — applicable privacy legislation requires a lawful basis for processing personal data; Governing Law — specify Quebec law and jurisdiction; Dispute Resolution — parties may refer disputes to the appropriate tribunal or court.
Sources & Citations
Statutory citations link to official government sources.
- R.S.C. 1985, c. C-34CA official
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Exclusivity Agreement — Quebec (Quebec) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/quebec/business/contracts/exclusivity-agreement-quebec
"Exclusivity Agreement — Quebec (Quebec)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/quebec/business/contracts/exclusivity-agreement-quebec.
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title = {Exclusivity Agreement — Quebec (Quebec)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/quebec/business/contracts/exclusivity-agreement-quebec}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Civil Code of Québec (CCQ), Book Five: Obligations}
}Frequently Asked Questions
A Quebec exclusivity agreement can cover a wide range of exclusive rights, including: exclusive distribution rights (the exclusive party is the only authorized distributor in a territory); exclusive supply rights (the granting party commits to supply only to the exclusive party in the territory); exclusive sales rights (the right to be the sole seller of specific products); exclusive negotiation rights (the right to negotiate a specific transaction, such as an acquisition, for a limited period without competition); exclusive commercial representation rights (the right to represent a brand or company in a territory); and exclusive trademark or brand use rights. The specific type of exclusivity must be clearly described in the agreement to avoid disputes about the scope of the exclusive rights.
Yes. Exclusivity agreements in Quebec are subject to the federal Competition Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-34), which regulates exclusivity clauses, exclusive dealing, and market restriction arrangements between suppliers and distributors. Under sections 75–77 of the Competition Act, the Competition Bureau may review exclusivity arrangements that substantially lessen competition or exclude competitors from a market. An exclusivity agreement is generally lawful if it has a legitimate business justification (protecting investment, brand consistency, market development) and does not substantially prevent or lessen competition. Exclusivity agreements limited in time and territory are less likely to raise Competition Act concerns. For significant market share arrangements, legal advice on competition law compliance is strongly recommended.
If the exclusive party fails to meet minimum performance commitments (such as minimum purchase volumes or sales targets), the consequences depend on what is specified in the agreement. Common remedies include: conversion of exclusive rights to non-exclusive rights; right to terminate the agreement with notice; right to appoint additional distributors or agents in the territory; and/or right to claim damages for the shortfall. Under the Code civil du Québec (art. 1590 CCQ), the granting party can demand performance of the obligation, a reduction of its own obligation, or damages. The minimum commitment clause should clearly state the measurement period, the threshold, the notice procedure for non-performance, and the specific remedy available to the granting party.
Yes, but with important limitations under Quebec law. For non-compete clauses between businesses (not employers and employees), the Code civil du Québec (art. 1373 CCQ) gives parties broad freedom of contract. However, under article 2089 CCQ (applicable to employment contexts) and Competition Act principles, non-compete clauses must be: (1) limited in time (generally 1–3 years for business non-competes); (2) limited in geographic scope (proportional to the territory covered by the exclusivity agreement); and (3) limited in activities restricted (only the specific competitive activities that would harm the granting party's interests). A non-compete clause that is unreasonably broad may be reduced or declared void by a Quebec court. Post-termination non-compete clauses are also subject to scrutiny and should be carefully drafted.
Under the Code civil du Québec, a fixed-term exclusivity agreement can be terminated before its expiry in the following circumstances: (1) by mutual written consent of both parties at any time; (2) by the non-defaulting party for material breach (inexécution fautive) under article 1590 CCQ, usually after giving the defaulting party notice and an opportunity to remedy the breach; (3) for insolvency, bankruptcy, or cessation of business operations of either party; (4) by either party exercising a contractual termination right with notice, if such a right is included in the agreement. Early termination without legal justification by either party gives rise to a claim for damages by the other party, which may include lost profits for the remainder of the contract term.
Generally, exclusivity rights under a Quebec exclusivity agreement cannot be assigned or transferred to a third party without the prior written consent of the granting party, unless the agreement expressly permits such assignment. Under the Code civil du Québec (art. 1441 CCQ), obligations arising from a contract follow its parties; however, rights may be assigned (art. 1637 CCQ) unless the contract prohibits it or the nature of the obligation prevents assignment. In practice, exclusivity agreements are typically personal in nature — the granting party chose the exclusive party based on its specific qualifications, experience, or market position — making assignment without consent inappropriate. A change of control of the exclusive party (such as a merger or acquisition) may also trigger termination rights for the granting party if such a provision is included in the agreement.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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