Competitor Using My Name

[snappyfish]

What is people's thoughts on a competitor locally to me using my business name in their AdWords sponsored listing?

So I am self-employed trading as I'm not an ltd or have a trademark etc.

And the other local competitor is actually using my "trading as" name in their sponsored Adwords. I am of the understanding nothing can be done is this correct?

 

[Mark T Jones]

What is people's thoughts on a competitor locally to me using my business name in their AdWords sponsored listing?

So I am self-employed trading as I'm not an ltd or have a trademark etc.

And the other local competitor is actually using my "trading as" name in their sponsored Adwords. I am of the understanding nothing can be done is this correct?

It depends on

A) How generic your name is
B) How they are presenting it.

Potentially it could be 'passing off' - but my name, for example wouldn't be - any broker can offer fit out finance - and many do.

If they claim to BE Fit Out Finance, it's a different matter.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Unless you have the name registered with the IPO, there is probably nothing you can do,

 

[HFE Signs]

We had this happen to us by Vistaprint of all people - we contacted Google and we were told that their policy allow it unless you are a registered trademark, which we are - we sent the proof and registration documents to Google and they then stopped their adds displaying our brand, however they can still (and do) use our brand or name as a search term. Totally wrong in my opinion.

 

[Bob Morgan]

Unfortunately, some sharp operators have decided that 'Copyright' means the Right to Copy! It is only Thursday and I have already received 3 claims this week, stating that my logo belongs to them!

 

[Paul Carmen]

Absolutely nothing you can about this type of PPC ad unless you register the brand/business name as a trademark. Google have no obligation to do anything otherwise and you'd most likely have to take legal action against the 3rd party: https://support.google.com/adspolicy/answer/6118?hl=en-GB

 

[HFE Signs]

Unfortunately, some sharp operators have decided that 'Copyright' means the Right to Copy! It is only Thursday and I have already received 3 claims this week, stating that my logo belongs to them!

As a consumer, if I see someone doing it, it puts me right off - it speaks volumes about their business ethics and I would go elsewhere

 

[fantheflames]

We had this happen to us by Vistaprint of all people - we contacted Google and we were told that their policy allow it unless you are a registered trademark, which we are - we sent the proof and registration documents to Google and they then stopped their adds displaying our brand, however they can still (and do) use our brand or name as a search term. Totally wrong in my opinion.

Very common for businesses to use competitors in search terms.

On Amazon especially.

It will, and does, put some customers off.