Media Release Form (Quebec)
Autorisation d'utilisation de l'image — C.c.Q. arts. 35–36 / Loi 25
MEDIA RELEASE AND IMAGE CONSENT FORM
Autorisation d'utilisation de l'image — C.c.Q. arts. 35–36 / Law 25
Date: [Release Date] | Place: [Release Place]
1. PARTIES
Subject: [Subject Name], DOB: [Subject DOB], address: [Subject Address], email: [Subject Email].
Organization / Photographer: [Org Name], [Org Address], contact: [Org Contact].
Session: [Session Date] at [Session Location]. Content: [Session Description]
2. GRANT OF RIGHTS
I, [Subject Name] (or as guardian of the minor subject), hereby grant [Org Name] permission to use photographs, videos, and recordings made during the session described above, for the following purposes: [Permitted Uses]
Geographic scope: [Geographic Scope] | Duration: [Duration] [Duration Details]
Compensation: [Compensation] [Compensation Details]
This grant includes the right to edit, crop, caption, and reproduce the images/videos in the formats and media described above, without further compensation unless separately agreed in writing.
3. PRIVACY AND LAW 25 RIGHTS
[Org Name] acknowledges its obligations under Quebec's Law 25 (Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector) and articles 35–36 of the Civil Code of Quebec. The subject's image and name are personal information protected by law. [Org Name] will use images only for the purposes specified above and will not sell or transfer image rights to third parties without the subject's prior written consent.
[Right to Withdraw]
To withdraw consent or exercise your rights under Law 25, contact [Org Contact].
4. SIGNATURES
Signed at [Release Place] on [Release Date].
Subject / Parent / Guardian
________________
Signature
Organization Representative
________________
Signature
What Is a Media Release Form (Quebec)?
A Media Release Form (Quebec) in Quebec a Media Release Form is a formal legal document used in Quebec for business operations, corporate governance, and commercial transactions. Create a media release and photo consent form under Quebec law. The Civil Code of Quebec (arts. 35–36) protects every person's right to privacy and right to their image (droit à l'image). Article 36 C.c.Q. provides a non-exhaustive list of privacy violations, including using a person's name or likeness without consent for commercial purposes, capturing or using their image in a private place, or disclosing their personal information. A media release form obtains the subject's informed consent to use their image, voice, name, and likeness for specified purposes. This document operates within Quebec's civil law (Civil Code of Quebec) framework and is designed to provide clear legal protection and certainty for all parties involved. These laws establish the legal requirements for valid agreements, the rights and obligations of the parties, and the remedies available in case of breach or dispute. Understanding the applicable legal framework is essential for drafting an effective Media Release Form that will be enforceable under Quebec law. The importance of having a properly drafted Media Release Form cannot be overstated. Without a clear, written agreement, parties risk misunderstandings, disputes, and potential legal liability. A well-drafted Media Release Form sets out the terms and conditions that govern the relationship between the parties, including their respective rights, obligations, and the procedures for resolving any disagreements that may arise. It serves as the primary reference point should any questions or disputes occur during the course of the arrangement. In today's regulatory environment in Quebec, compliance with legal requirements is increasingly important. A Media Release Form helps confirm that all parties are meeting their legal obligations and provides a clear record of the agreed terms for future reference. Using a standardized Media Release Form template offers several practical advantages. It confirms that all essential clauses are included, reduces the time and cost of drafting from scratch, and provides a professional framework that can be customized to suit specific needs. Whether you are an individual, a small business owner, or a large corporation operating in Quebec, having access to a well-structured template confirms consistency and completeness in your legal documentation.
When Do You Need a Media Release Form (Quebec)?
A Media Release Form is needed whenever parties in Quebec wish to formalize their arrangement regarding business operations, corporate governance, and commercial transactions. There are numerous situations in which this document becomes essential for protecting the interests of all involved parties. In a business context, you may need a Media Release Form when entering into new commercial relationships, when formalizing existing arrangements that have previously been informal, when expanding your business operations, or when restructuring existing agreements. Companies registered with REQ should confirm proper documentation is maintained for all significant business transactions. You should also consider using a Media Release Form when there has been a change in circumstances that affects an existing arrangement, when you need to comply with new regulatory requirements, when you wish to update outdated documentation, or when professional advisors recommend formalizing certain aspects of your affairs. In Quebec, maintaining current and accurate legal documentation is considered best practice and can help prevent costly disputes. It is generally advisable to prepare a Media Release Form before any issues arise, rather than trying to document terms after a dispute has already begun. Proactive documentation provides clarity and reduces the potential for misunderstandings. If you are unsure whether you need this document for your specific situation in Quebec, consulting with a qualified legal professional can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances. The timing of executing a Media Release Form is also important. In Quebec, certain documents must be executed before specific actions are taken or within prescribed time periods to be effective. Delaying the preparation of necessary legal documents can result in complications, lost rights, or additional costs. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare this document as early as possible once the need has been identified.
What to Include in Your Media Release Form (Quebec)
A well-drafted Media Release Form for use in Quebec should contain several essential elements to confirm it is legally effective and provides adequate protection for all parties. Party Identification: The document should clearly identify all parties involved, including their full legal names, addresses, and relevant identification numbers. For individuals in Quebec, this may include identity card or passport numbers. For companies, registration numbers and registered addresses should be specified. Clear identification prevents disputes about who is bound by the agreement. Recitals and Background: The document should include background information explaining the context and purpose of the arrangement. This helps establish the parties' intentions and can be important in interpreting the terms of the document if any ambiguity arises later. The recitals section provides valuable context for the operative provisions that follow. Operative Terms: The core terms and conditions should be set out clearly and thoroughly. This includes the rights and obligations of each party, any conditions or prerequisites, the duration of the arrangement, and any limitations or restrictions. All key terms should be defined precisely to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes. Payment and Financial Terms: Where applicable, the document should specify any payments, fees, deposits, or other financial considerations. The amounts, currency (CAD), payment schedules, and methods of payment should be clearly stated. Any provisions for late payment, interest charges, or adjustments should also be included. Term and Termination: The document should specify its duration, including the start date, end date or conditions for expiry, and any provisions for renewal or extension. The circumstances under which either party may terminate the arrangement early should be clearly defined, along with any notice requirements and the consequences of termination. Dispute Resolution: The document should include provisions for resolving any disputes that may arise, such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. In Quebec, parties may choose to specify the jurisdiction of Quebec courts and the applicable law. Including a clear dispute resolution mechanism can save significant time and expense if disagreements occur. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: The document should specify that it is governed by the laws of Quebec and that disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Quebec courts. This is particularly important in cross-border transactions or where parties are based in different jurisdictions. Signatures and Execution: The document must be properly signed by all parties or their authorised representatives. In Quebec, certain documents may need to be witnessed, notarised, or executed as deeds to be legally effective. The date of execution should be clearly recorded, and each party should retain an original signed copy for their records.
1851-2000.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Media Release Form (Quebec) (Quebec) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/quebec/business/services/media-release-form-quebec
"Media Release Form (Quebec) (Quebec)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/quebec/business/services/media-release-form-quebec.
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author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Media Release Form (Quebec) (Quebec)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/quebec/business/services/media-release-form-quebec}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Civil Code of Québec (CCQ), art. 1851-2000}
}Frequently Asked Questions
The right to one's image (droit à l'image) in Quebec is protected by multiple legal sources: article 5 of the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (right to privacy), articles 35–36 of the Civil Code of Quebec (right to privacy and protection of reputation), and article 3 C.c.Q. (protection of the human person). Under article 36 C.c.Q., capturing someone's image in a private place, or using their image to invade their privacy, constitutes a violation of privacy. For commercial use of someone's image, article 36(6) C.c.Q. specifically prohibits using a person's name, image, likeness, or voice for a purpose other than the legitimate information of the public, without their consent. Quebec courts have awarded significant damages for unauthorized use of a person's image, including for social media posts, advertising, and documentary films.
The privacy analysis differs between public and private places in Quebec. In fully public places, incidental capture of individuals in photographs or video (e.g., street photography, news coverage) is generally permissible without individual consent, as persons in public spaces have a reduced expectation of privacy. However, using a specific individual's image in a targeted, commercial, or embarrassing way — even if the photo was taken in a public place — may still require consent under arts. 35–36 C.c.Q. For organized events (photoshoots, corporate events, productions), even when held in public spaces, organizers should obtain signed release forms from all identifiable participants, particularly when the images will be used for commercial, advertising, or promotional purposes. Children in public spaces are subject to heightened protections.
Quebec's Law 25 (Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector) significantly affects how organizations collect and use images, names, and likenesses, as these are considered personal information when they can identify an individual. Since September 2023, organizations subject to Law 25 must: obtain specific, free, and informed consent before collecting personal information (including photographs); inform the person of the specific purposes for which their image will be used; not use the information for other purposes without additional consent; implement security measures to protect stored images; and allow individuals to withdraw their consent and request deletion of their images. A comprehensive media release form in Quebec should therefore address all these Law 25 requirements in addition to the civil law right to image.
For a minor child (under 18 years of age) in Quebec, the media release form must be signed by a person with parental authority over the child — typically one or both parents (art. 600 C.c.Q.), or the child's legal tutor. Since the use of a child's image is a significant decision that could affect the child's privacy and well-being, it is considered a major decision requiring the consent of the person exercising parental authority. For minors who are 14 years of age or older, some organizations request the minor's own signature in addition to the parent's, as a best practice given that Quebec law recognizes growing autonomy for older minors (art. 14 C.c.Q.). The media release should specify how long the consent is valid, as parental consent for a minor's image use does not necessarily extend indefinitely beyond the child reaching adulthood.
A Media Release Form (Quebec) does not legally require a lawyer in Quebec, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified Quebec lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The Superior Court of Québec has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document, and Registraire des entreprises du Québec may impose additional compliance obligations depending on the nature of the underlying transaction. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.
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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