Google’s Trademark Policy Changes

I was recently made aware of major changes in Google’s trademark policy. As a precautionary measure, I pause all of my campaigns while I identified any keywords that could possibly violate the new policies.

Here’s an overview of the changes and what to remove from your accounts:

1.) Stay away from Google Cash Offers, Google Money Tree, etc.

Google recently decided that affiliate offers that include their trademark names such as Google, Adwords, and Adsense are no longer allowed on their advertising network. Google is cracking down and banning Adwords accounts that advertise “make money from home” with Google affiliate offers.

This may have something to do with the FTC’s suit filed July 1st involving Google Money Tree. These offers are incredibly popular on CPA networks and Clickbank.

Google is shutting down advertisers with campaigns using the word “Google” or other trademarks right in their name with targeted phrases like “cash,” “pay day,” “money,” “secrets,” “home business,” etc. Google is also slapping websites with duplicate content or common templates intended to direct users to the same product (posted July 10th on the Official Google Blog).

If these recent changes have effected your account, you’ll receive the following email (thousands of affiliate marketers received this email last week):

“Your Google AdWords account has been suspended due to submissions of ads that promote Google Money Tree or ads that promote a misrepresented affiliation with Google. In response to the many complaints that we have received from users and publishers, we’ve decided not to allow these ads which promote unacceptable business practices.”

SUSPENDED ACCOUNTS: It’s possible to get a new Adwords account, you just have to jump through a few hoops and take certain precautions. We’ll provide you with clear (and compliant) instructions on how you can get back up and running.

2.) Google is no longer regulating trademark usage.

This new policy outlines the following changes: As long as the advertiser has the trademark on their website, selling the product or service, or providing “unbiased” information about the product or service, they are free to use the trademark.

If your not selling a specific product or service, or providing quality information about it on your landing page, avoid using it in your campaigns.

Since Google is no longer regulating the use of trademark terms, companies are handing this responsibility over to their lawyers. I imagine the lawyers will be the ultimate beneficiaries through lawsuits and claims filed against advertisers.

I am taking all precautionary measures to ensure that I am in compliance with Google policies to avoid account suspensions. And so should you.

Tagged with: google • policy • trademark

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