Ad Controversy for Google
Several companies are suing Google because sponsored links point to a corporation’s competition. Some lawyers think that’s using someone’s trademark to point people to the competition: a bait and switch. The National Public Radio Morning Edition story linked above begins with a discussion about American Blinds and Wallpaper’s suit.
Research indicates almost 1/5 of Google users search on trademarked terms.
Case law fluctuates on the issue.
A sidenote: a lawyer mentions how someone asking for a Coca-Cola in a restaurant can sue if they’re served another cola if the restaurant doesn’t inform them they won’t get a Coke. Explain that in some areas of the United States where asking for a Coke is universal for asking for any type of soda.
