Trademark Policy?

what is the latest?

[chewy]

I know that Google AdWords allows and disallows use of competitive trademark terms in AdWords however I'm wondering if there have been any recent updates.

For example, can Ford buy General Motors type trademarked / branded keywords or is that against the rules?

One cannot use Ford in an adwords ad purchased by GM to sell GM products, right?

Is there a clear and RECENT statement somewhere on the web that clarifies all this?

I also know there was a recent 2010 ruling in Europe that seemed to turn this all on its head - does that also apply to US advertisers?

Thanks!

[netmeg]

I don't know of any significant recent changes.

You can bid on trademarked words.

You can't use them in the ads unless you have the specific permission of the trademark holder.

[eWhisper]

This AdWords help page has a lot of the info it in:
[adwords.google.com...]

The page (once you start opening all the + boxes) includes the list of which countries you can use a trademark as a keyword and which you can't.

US trademark policy is different than all the other countries right now as you can use a trademark in an ad copy if you sell the product, fix the product, or your an information site. You can do this even if the competitors don't want their trademark used in the ad copy (this is for products and services, you still can't trademarked competitor names in ads). You can see more about the US trademark policies here: [adwords.google.com...]

Please note, this is Google's policy (based upon lawsuits); however, in many countries you could still get sued by your competitors. You'll have good info to pass to your lawyer based upon the lawsuits - but you still need to pay the lawyer...

[after_hours]

You can bid on trademarked words.

You can't use them in the ads unless you have the specific permission of the trademark holder.

I'm fairly sure you can use trademarks terms without permission as long as there is relevant content on your landing page. In other words, a shoe retailer can use Nike in their ad copy without permission as long as there is Nike shoes (or relevant content) for sale on the landing page.

[chewy]

all very helpful and informative, thanks.

and now - an update from the big G itself via Inside Adwords:

RELEASED: 8/4/2010

"Last year, in an effort to provide better ads and a higher quality experience for our users, we adjusted our trademark policy in the UK..."

Read More: [adwords.blogspot.com...]