How to Fix a Trademark Issue in Your Google Ads

If you've been running Google Ads for your business, and you've used a trademarked term in your ad text, you may have received a notification from Google about a trademark issue.

Don't worry! - it's not the end of the world! In this blog post, we'll explain what to do if you receive this notification and how to file a complaint with Google if the issue isn't resolved.

If you receive a notification from Google about a trademark issue, the first thing you should do is check to see if the term is trademarked. If it's not, then you can simply edit your ad text and remove the term. However, if the term is indeed trademarked, you'll need to take a few additional steps.

But before we proceed, we need to understand...

What is a Trademark in Ad text violation?

Trademark in Ad text violations occurs when an advertiser uses a trademarked term in their ad text without the permission of the trademark owner. This can happen even if the advertiser is using the term correctly - for example, if they're using it to describe their products or services.

Now relax, this doesn't mean someone saw your new ad instantly and filed a complaint. Google's trademark policy is automated, which means that its systems will scan your ad text and compare it to a database of trademarked terms. If they find a match, you'll receive a notification from Google about the issue.

At this point, you have two options:

Edit your ad text or file a complaint with Google.

If you choose to edit your ad text, simply remove the trademarked term and resubmit your ad for review. Google will then re-review your ad and, if it complies with their policies, approve it to run.

However, if you believe that you have the right to use the trademarked term in your ad, you can file a complaint with Google. To do this, you'll need to fill out a form and provide supporting documentation that shows that you have the right to use the term.

For example, if you're an authorized reseller of a product, you can provide documentation from the manufacturer that shows your reseller agreement. Or, if you're descriptively using the term, you can provide evidence that it's become generic.

Once you've filed your complaint, Google will review it and make a decision. If they agree with you, they'll approve your ad to run. However, if they don't agree with you, they'll disapprove of your ad and you'll need to edit it accordingly.

Can you still run an ad with Trademark in Ad text?

In short, yes but with some restrictions.

You may see text by your ad saying "Eligible (Limited)"

Example of Trademark in ad text

This means that you're still able to run your ad, but there are some restrictions in place.

Some cases may leave your ad disapproved even if you make the necessary changes. In these cases, you'll need to get explicit permission from the trademark owner before you can use their term in your ad text.

Why is my competitor able to run ads with my Trademarked terms?

There are a few possible explanations:

• Your competitor may have trademark permission from the owner.

• They may be using the term generically or descriptively.

• They may be using the term in a different country where trademark laws are different.

If you believe that your competitor is violating your trademark, you can file a complaint with Google.

What's the best way to avoid Trademark in Ad text issues?

The best way to avoid trademark issues is to use generic or descriptive terms in your ad text instead of trademarked terms.

For example, if you sell "Nike shoes", you can say "athletic shoes" or "running shoes" instead. Or, if you sell "iPads", you can say "tablets" or "electronic devices".

By using generic or descriptive terms, you can avoid any potential trademark issues and ensure that your ad is approved to run.

If you need help with trademark issues on your Google Ads account, we can help. Our team of Google Ads experts can review your account and make sure that all of your ads comply with Google's policies.

Contact us today to get started.

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