This article from CBC News is a good example of why a company that is going global would want to consider localizing its internal documentation and online courseware. Although the company involved was disappointed with the ruling, they are probably correct in stating that this will have an impact on other companies operating in France and on international markets. 

A French subsidiary of General Electric Co. has been ordered to distribute its internal company documents in French after employees complained about having to use English at work.

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"This decision is of great importance because it will set a precedent for international companies here in France," said lawyer David Metin, who represented the employees. "It's about making sure that international companies respect French law."

Tags: French | localizing | international

The GE subsidiary, GE Medical Systems SCS, said it was the first time a court has applied the law to documents used by an international company based in France. 

In a statement, it expressed disappointment with the ruling and warned that it may "have an impact on other companies operating in France and on international markets."