Bidding on competitor tradenames, company name, etc?

What is the status of bidding on competitors' tradenames, etc?

[vieth]

I've noticed that competitors can now bid on our company's tradenames, etc, like our company name for example. I understand Google now allows this, or at least no longer monitors it or addresses it; am I correct? If so, what options does a company have if a competitor is bidding on our company name and we want to stop it? Is there anything we can do? If not, what explanation can I give management who demands to know Google's rationale for allowing companies to bid on other companies' names. My layperson argument is that such practice is no different than Pepsi sending coupons to people they have identified as purchasers of Coke, but I don't know if that's an accurate analogy, and I don't want to play armchair lawyer. Any advice? ...or any existing threads on this? -Vieth

[running scared]

Bid on their trademark ;)

It won't solve the problem but might make them think a bit...

[BriGuy20]

I just came on here to complain... a new ad I put up (trying to brand my website) has been taken down because of a trademarked keyword. This keyword is EXTREMELY vital to my branding campaign, I basically can't use any other keyword to apropriately describe my site and product. The product I'm advertising is pretty much the second-most popular product I have, which together with the most popular product (a variation of the former) makes up about half of my sales.

I'd like to hear (from AWA, the source) when Google plans to institute the keyword reform. I think its ridiculous for companies to shoot themselves in the foot by restricting keywords when OTHER PEOPLE are PAYING to advertise their products. Google needs to change the keyword system ASAP.

[PatrickDeese]

I don't know if this is your case, but while it is usually okay to bid on the name (ie your advert appears when someone searches the brand name) - it might not be okay to use the brand name in your Adwords copy.

Recent thread: [webmasterworld.com...]

[AdWordsAdvisor]

I'd like to hear (from AWA, the source) when Google plans to institute the keyword reform.

Wow, 'the source'! That may be overstating it just a bit, though, IMO! :)

I'm not really a part of the team concerned with trademark policy, so I don't have any insider information to pass on regarding a 'hard' date. However, I did take a look at the trademark policy page in the FAQ, at this URL:

[adwords.google.com...]

On this page you'll see the following message which at least gives us a ball-park figure:

"Please note that we are in the process of transitioning to a new trademark policy. Currently the new policy applies only to new trademark complaints. Until late May 2004, trademark complaints already on file with us will be subject to the previous policy."

Hope this helps.

AWA

[BriGuy20]

AWA:

It's good to hear that the trademark changes at the end of May. The sooner we bid on these products (and pay google to sell them), the better off both we and the manufacturers of the products will be.

[BriGuy20]

AWA:

Let us know as soon as the changes go into effect. I have one question though - will disapproved keywords still on the list automatically be turned back on or will they have to be deleted and added back?

[AdWordsAdvisor]

Let us know as soon as the changes go into effect.

I'd be happy to.

However, there is a fair chance that someone on WebmasterWorld will notice it before I do. Probably our co-moderator Shak, as he is sort of known for that! (Personally, I call him 'Scoop', but don't tell him that.) ;)

I have one question though - will disapproved keywords still on the list automatically be turned back on or will they have to be deleted and added back?

Great question. And I'm really not certain. My best guess, though, with something in the neighborhood of 90% certainty would be that you'll want to delete/add.

After the policy has been implemented of course!

AWA

[running scared]

AWA,

Will this new policy be worldwide or will it just be for US? (I read somewhere at soem point about a change in policy which would not affect UK sites). Thanks

[AdWordsAdvisor]

running scared, sorry to be so late in repsonding. It's been a pretty busy day!

I think it'd be best to let the published policy speak for itself. So, please see the page linked-to below for clarification. It addresses the policy as it applies to the US and Candada - and as it applies outside the US and Canada.

[google.com...]

AWA