Apr
4th
2006
Google Revenue Jeopardized by Keyword Case
Searching for Edina Realty on Google returns a top-of-the-page sponsored link run by TheMLSonline.com, and Edina Realty has sued the advertiser over use of its trademark.
Even though the lawsuit involved Google and keywords, for once no one has shown up at the Googleplex bearing warm greetings and a stone-cold subpoena. In Edina Realty, Inc. v. TheMLSonline.com, Marquette law professor Eric Goldman has blogged that the case equates keyword purchases to trademark infringement.
“That’s what makes this case significant. I think this is the first case substantively analyzing a purchaser’s liability for buying a competitor’s keyword,” he wrote in his post.
TheMLSonline.com purchased keywords like “Edina Realty” and several variations, including misspellings, on both Google and Yahoo. Yahoo recently changed its policy for trademark purchases, restricting them to being eligible for purchase only by the trademark holder. Google does not do this.
Along with the keyword purchases, TheMLSonline.com also indulged in placing hidden text on its site, Goldman noted. Phrases like “Edina Realty information presented at TheMLSonline.com” were hidden as white text on a white background.
The impact of the court’s initial ruling that the purchase of keywords, though not conventional, is a use in commerce, could have implications down the road. Goldman believes a couple of key points arose from the ruling.
About the Author:
David is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business.
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