Ashurst IP/IT newsflash - Google updates AdWords policies (August 2010)

Ashurst's IP/IT newsflash - Google updates AdWords policies in wake of Louis Vuitton decision. See more at http://ashur.st/cPlquU

Google has announced plans to change its trade mark policies in Canada, the UK and Ireland. From 14 September third parties will, in certain circumstances, be able to use trade marks as Google AdWords without the owners' "explicit approval" -- the onus will be on rights holders to monitor and assert their rights.

Google will also update its European policies to enable advertisers to select trade marks as keywords, bringing the region into line with the US and most of the world. The changes come in the wake of the ECJ's landmark judgment in Google France -v- Louis Vuitton (see more at http://ashur.st/cPlquU). Rights holders will be able to complain about infringing use and Google will then conduct a "limited investigation" and remove the offending ad if it considers an infringement has occurred. How readily Google responds to complaints remains to be seen.

If you would like further details, please contact Dominic Batchelor, Mark Lubbock, Ian Starr, Inbali Iserles or your usual Ashurst contact.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Ashurst
• AdWords
• trademarks
• law
• Google
• Louis Vuitton
• ECJ
• LVMH