Google AdWords’ Imperfect Trademark Policy
posted at 9:38 am
on Mar. 19, 2009
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So, I’m trying out some Google AdWords for my mom’s Kumon center. And I’ve run into a ridiculous problem: they keep rejecting the ad. Here’s the ad. See if you can figure out what’s wrong with it:
Kumon Marda Loop
Help Your Child Learn
Start Today with a Free Evaluation
www.mardaloopkumon.com
Google has rejected that ad ... because it uses the trademarked term “Kumon”.
Problem is: That’s exactly the name of my Mom’s business. Her business *IS* a Kumon center, and of course she should be able to use that name in her ad. It’s her official business title, it’s on her sign, her letterhead—she’s of course entitled to use the trademark: she’s a franchisee.
Google says:
Ad Status: Suspended
Ad Issue(s): Trademark in Ad Content
SUGGESTIONS: Please remove the following trademark from your ad: Kumon.
They go on to explain:
Trademark in Ad Content: Due to trademark complaints, we do not allow advertisers to use certain trademarked terms or elements in their Google AdWords campaigns. You can learn more about Google’s trademark policy at http://www.google.com/tm_complaint.html
I’ve resubmitted the ad twice, with an explanation that she *IS* legally allowed to use the name of her own company, but they keep rejecting it.
Ah, Google, you silly nitwit. That’s $30 a month you won’t be getting from me!
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