One of the world’s biggest language-learning software makers has filed a lawsuit against Internet giant Google for “illegally” allowing its trademark to serve as keywords in the company’s advertising search engine program called AdWords.
In a statement, Rosetta Stone said that Google, through its AdWords program, allegedly used its name and other trademarks as keywords in its business search engine for other major businesses to use in sending paid advertisements to users online.
The company also argued that consumers are being deceived and confused by Google’s search engine by helping third parties to utilize their trademark in an inappropriate manner.
Meanwhile, Google Spokesperson Andrew Pederson on Friday said that they are yet to receive a copy of the federal lawsuit, adding that it could not comment any further on the issue.
However, Pederson confirmed Google’s policy on allowing such trademarks to be viewed and used in its AdWords program.
“Allowing trademarks such as those of Rosetta Stone to be used in our search engine allows online users and business to choose from different advertisers,” he said.
Pederson also compared Google’s case to a shelf in a grocery store, where consumers were presented with reasonable range of products giving them more option on what they need.
“This helps them find the best product in the market at the lowest price possible,” Pederson added.
It is not the first time that a company filed a law suit against Google over the trademark issue.
Several cases are still pending in courts.
Last May, Google has made several adjustments on its AdWords policy in the US, allowing advertising companies to use trademarks of other business without its permission.
The Internet giant stressed that the policy has brought change to the online community and has become in lined with the industry standard.
Google said that the change in policy has offered users more opportunity and more relevant information, at the same time, giving respect to the owners of the trademarks.
“Google and its advertisers benefit financially from and trade off the goodwill and reputation of Rosetta Stone without incurring the substantial expense that Rosetta Stone has incurred in building up its popularity, name recognition, and brand loyalty.”
Rosetta Stone is asking the court to bar Google from using the firm’s trademark in AdWords
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