However, when I try to create an Adgroup with the term Sony in it, it flags up as a Trademarked Term. I am in the UK and so can see all the Sony adverts with that name in it. But maybe it is a violation in the USA?
Are some trademarked terms violations in the USA and other names not? e.g. would Sony be allowed and Phillips not allowed?
Does Google only disallow trademarked names that have already complained to Google?
I am confused on this.
Jon
Google "used to" differentiate between U.S. and International trademarks -- It appears that changed about 2-3 weeks ago, but I cannot say that with 100% certainty. We had a campaign where a term was trademarked Internationally, but because we were targeting the U.S. market only, we were allowed to use it. Not any more!
ONLY internal Google people know how terms are trademarked (Internationally and/or Domestic). Calling them and asking may get you the answer.
When AdWords flags you for a trademarked term, ALWAYS at least ask for an exception explaining your reasoning. The trademark system is not perfect (in it's automation) and the reviewers do sometines grant exceptions.
As a simple example the word Palm (like in the name of the company that created the Palm Pilot) is tradedmarked and if you try to use it in an ad for Palm Trees you will get bitten -- However, an exception will granted on it's use in this case.
OR if it's REAL important to use the term, try Yahoo/Overture -- they can't seem to keep up with anything.... lol
keyword substitution
That doesn't work anymore. :-( They have a system now that alerts them when a subbed ad displays with a trademark term. It'll take 3 days, but the ad will eventually get disallowed.
New policy is no trademark terms in keyword insertion ads.
It was a damn fine workaround while it worked.
There is only 1 way somebody can use a trademarked ter and that is to get written permission from the trademark owner delivered to Google from the trademark owner.
That doesn't work anymore. :-(
