Using a competitor's name in a Google AdWord

colourbynumbers · #11 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 12:19

The companies house act permits 6 months from time of set up for your competitor to complain. You can trade under their name should you so choose to do so but your real name has to appear as your registered office.

We had a company do this to us using our name which did not come as (passing off) and we sent them all the legal letters but in truth there is very little they can do and suggest you refer them to companies house should they wish to make a formal complaint. However i would be really cheeky and advise you are not breaking any law but would be happy to remove the name for £2,000 as an admin fee

Good luck

CBN

Warhead · #12 (**permalink**) 09-07-2008, 18:49

We weren't trading under their name at all, not even pretending we were the same company or had the same products. The AdWord in question pointed to a product that only by a long stretch of the imagination might compete with theirs, and the part of our business that does compete directly is clearly identified as having a supplier that isn't them. I think either they or their lawyers have got very little clue as to how Adwords work, certainly don't understand how to check who owns a domain name (we don't and never have had the one they think we've got), and I'm sure are just trying bully-boy tactics 'cos they know they've got more money than us.

Thanks anyway!!

boxby · #13 (**permalink**) 09-07-2008, 19:06

You are doing nothing in contravention of google policy. Let them take this to court. They won't, because they're not fighting you they're fighting google.

Send them a copy of this;
https://adwords.google.com/support/b...92877&hl=en_GB
Tell them that if google rule that you are in contravention you will consider their argument.

Teletext I think are pursuing it against competitors. If they do this will be the test case. It's going to take one of the big companies to take this on. Us lot are just small fry!

Warhead · #14 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 08:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxby

You are doing nothing in contravention of google policy. Let them take this to court. They won't, because they're not fighting you they're fighting google.

Send them a copy of this;
https://adwords.google.com/support/b...92877&hl=en_GB
Tell them that if google rule that you are in contravention you will consider their argument.

Teletext I think are pursuing it against competitors. If they do this will be the test case. It's going to take one of the big companies to take this on. Us lot are just small fry!

Exactly Boxby...let the big boys fight it out. I've got orders to take and money to make, and most of 'em are coming from their disgruntled customers...I don't need AdWords for that!