skibum - 8:37 pm on May 18, 2009 (gmt 0)

I can say that I dont think it will cause too much harm because if anyone here who has trademark terms with their company they more than likely know that Google has always allowed major resellers to use the trademark in the keyword.

Isn't that only if the TM owner has filed paperwork with Google to permit specific accounts to use the TMs (in the US anyway)?

IMHO, the way they had it was good, can't use the TM in ad text. It facilitates comparative advertising without causing confusion about which ad is the one that should lead to the TM owners website. If TM owners wanted to allow distributors to sell their proructs, they would grant them permission.

Another option could be that TM owners have the right to buy top placement for thier own TMs at $0.05 per click and are the only ones who may use the TM in ad text if that is what they desire while anyone can use the TM keyword as a trigger for an ad.

There is the ShoeMoney Media lawsuit going as well. That one will be interesting.