Summary of Search Engine Trademark Policies

David Naffziger May 21, 2009

Updated on May 21 to reflect Google's worldwide trademark policy changes and recent moves in the US.

Google Yahoo Microsoft
Search Ads
Trademarks can be protected in:
----Keywords used to trigger ads? No (US/UK/JP + 190 countries)
Yes (FR, DE and most of Europe)
Yes Yes
----Ad text and title No No No
----Display URL No No No
Type of protection: All but resellers and informational sites All but resellers and informational sites All but resellers and informational sites
Requirements to Prove Trademark? Mark in Use Mark in Use Nationally Registered mark
Detailed Complaint Procedures Online Form Email Online Form
Domain Park Programs
Can ads be prevented from being shown on typos? Yes Yes
Complaint Procedures Email Email


Topics: paid search, Search Engine Updates

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