Google Adwords Trademark Infringement
A Google Adwords trademark infringement occurs when a third party’s trademark is used to generate an ad and when the ad copy also contains the trademark. Google Adwords is a popular form of adverting in which you pay Google to make your ad appear when certain keywords are searched at Google.com. Disputes arise when competitors pay to make their own ads appear when a competitor’s trademark is searched at Google. This particular practice—among others—has led to allegations of trademark infringement. If someone else’s Google Adwords campaign is using your trademark, serious harm to your business can result.
Naturally, this situation can cause harm in the following ways, among others:
- Consumers that were seeking you go to your competitor instead
- Confusion among customers regarding your trademark and products or services
- Loss of goodwill in your trademark
Purchasing Keywords on Google AdWords
Google’s stated policy is that it won’t investigate or restrict the selection of trademarks as keywords. So, for example, anybody can pay Google to make their own ads appear when someone searches trademarks such as Microsoft, Apple and Amazon.
Google’s policy is supported by existing case law which has held that this activity alone is not a trademark infringement because it does not constitute use of the trademark. For trademark infringement to occur, the Lanham Act requires unauthorized use of the trademark in commerce. This typically involves using the trademark in relation to the sale of goods or services. Since the advertiser is not causing the trademark to appear, courts have held the mere act of bidding on keywords is not trademark use.
Ad Text that Contains Trademarks
Where you should draw the line is for ads in which a trademark appears in the text of the ad. If the use of the trademark is unauthorized and is leading to confusion among consumers, we suggest that you have us send a cease and desist letter. This again is supported by the case law which has held that use of another party’s trademark in the text of a Google Adwords ad amounts to trademark infringement. So, for example, Walmart may be able to place ads anytime someone searches for “Target”. However, if those same ads read: “Target Products Sold here” that would be an actionable infringement.
Buying a competitor’s trademark as a keyword can lead to confusion among consumers and thus could expose you to a trademark infringement claim. Also, special situations exist if the trademark at issue contains a design element or if the trademark at issue is registered to the Supplemental Register rather than the Principal Register. Since each Google Adwords trademark case may involve unique facts, and tampering with the advertising of another business can expose you to legal claims, we recommend that you consult with a trademark attorney experienced in this area. Our typical first step with issues of google adwords trademark infringement is to send a cease and desist letter to the infringer. For more information please see our trademark cease and desist letter page.
Contact Us
If you have an issue related to Google Adwords such as someone bidding on your trademark or using your trademark in a matter that is causing confusion, please feel free to contact us for assistance.
