Lithuania is still allergic to non-Lithuanian letters

Lithuanian Ministry of Eduction and Science is calling not to accept the amendments to the Civil Code which would make it possible to use non-Lithuanian letters or words characteristics of dialects in the names of legal entities.

Deputies of the Seimas: Remigijus Šimašius, Petras Auštrevičius, Andrius Mazuronis, Birutė Vėsaitė, Vytautas Gapšys i Dainius Kreivys filed the draft with amendments to the government. They believe that provisions now in force which regulate naming the companies and offices are restraining the development of business in the country.

At present, Lithuanian Civil Code constitutes that non-Lithuanian letters in the names can be used in Lithuania by Lithuanian branches of foreign companies, state business entities cannot.

In the reasons for the judgment prepared by a group of deputies, it is clearly stated that small Lithuanian businesses which plan to carry on trade abroad, usually cannot afford to register a new trademark in a foreign country. Registering in their own country a name which will be understandable and attractive for foreigner is not possible.

According to the Lithuanian department of education and science, proposed amendments will have a negative influence, because non-Lithuanian letters and words characteristic for dialects in the public space, business and advertisement will cloud Lithuanian language. The department refers to the opinion of the Constitutional Court from 2007, which stated that Lithuanian language is a unique constitutional value and that is why state institutions should take care of the functionality of the national language.

The amendments to the Civil Code will be taken into consideration by the government on Wednesday, on 17^th.