Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is a federal Crown corporation mandated to enable nuclear science and technology, derive value from Canada’s CANDU intellectual property, and fulfill the Government of Canada’s radioactive waste and decommissioning responsibilities.[1] The organization’s visual identity is built around a distinctive mark known as the “Flying A” design, which has served as the corporation’s symbol for decades.
Design and History
The AECL “Flying A” design mark is a stylized letter A that has been registered as a trademark since the late 1960s.[2] The mark features a stylized A with a flying atom or ball appearing at the front of the design.[2] AECL’s own copyright and trademark notices list the mark formally as “A & Design (‘Flying A’).”[3]
The Flying A mark has appeared on virtually all of AECL’s letterheads, business cards, proposals, invoices, brochures, signage, equipment, trucks, uniforms, hardhats, products and advertisements, according to evidence filed by the corporation in Federal Court.[2] The mark was also used on commemorative items and employee recognition awards, including long-service plaques featuring the maple leaf and Flying A symbol at the top.[4]
During the 1980-2000 era, signage at Chalk River used white characters on an “AECL blue” background with a gold “Flying A” logo.[5] The mark was also engraved on commemorative artifacts such as beer mugs and candle holders produced for employees.[6]
Meaning and Symbolism
The Flying A design combines the letter A with a flying atom or ball element.[2] In a 2009 Federal Court case, AREVA argued that this flying atom or ball created an immediate and obvious difference between AECL’s mark and AREVA’s own stylized A design, while AECL noted that both parties admitted both marks were stylized A’s.[2] The court ultimately found that the nature of the nuclear wares and services business made confusion between the two marks unlikely in practice.[2]
Typography and Design
Documented color usage for the AECL identity includes “AECL blue” as a background color with gold for the Flying A logo, as seen on signage used at Chalk River during the 1980-2000 era.[5] The current AECL website does not display the Flying A mark in its header, and no official source documents a specific redesign date or rationale for any change in the corporation’s visual identity.
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