Google AdWords disapproved Adam Engst Ads because Apple objects to use of trademark terms like “Mac” in EU.


Adam Engst has reported in his blog, that his ads which contained text like “Take Control of Mac OS X Backups”, were disapproved by Google AdWords.

This Adam says is because the ads used the trademarked term “Mac” in their text and he further states that there was no complaint about the fact that he was using “Mac” as one of the keywords that triggered his ads.

When Adam sought clarifications as to why his ads were disapproved he was directed to Trademark Complaint Procedures.

AdWords Trademark Complaint Procedure says, “As a provider of space for advertisements, please note that Google is not in a position to arbitrate trademark disputes between the advertisers and trademark owners.

As stated in our Terms and Conditions, the advertisers themselves are responsible for the keywords and ad content that they choose to use.

Accordingly, we encourage trademark owners to resolve their disputes directly with the advertisers, particularly because the advertisers may have similar advertisements on other sites”.

Further investigation revealed that Google did not approve Adam’s ads because Apple does not want the trademark terms to be used in EU.

According to Adam’s report, Rose Hagan, senior trademark counsel at Google, told him, “It’s our policy to not disclose information on specific actions we have taken regarding our trademark policy in order to protect our advertisers’ confidential information.

However, we can confirm that we have received a complaint under our trademark complaint procedure from Apple regarding ads targeting the EU. Our longstanding policy outside of the United States and Canada is that we do not allow the use of trademarks as keywords if the trademark owner objects.”

Adam has questioned this move by Apple: “It’s difficult enough to attract new customers in the limited Macintosh market as it is, and I can’t see how making it even harder helps anyone”.

 

 

 

 

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