Can I bid on the keyword "Walmart"?

Christopher Allen · 06-25-2009, 05:26 PM

I've read through Google's trademark policy, and it seems to me like you're allowed to bid on trademarked keywords, but you can't use the trademark in your ad. Is this correct?

The reason I ask is because if I do a search for Walmart or Target, I don't see any ads. There are Walmart/Target Gift Card CPA offers that you could promote... so why not target that keyword? Is is just not targeted enough or or is it a trademark issue?

red172 · 06-25-2009, 05:40 PM

Ive been wondering about that too. I honestly dont know if you can or can't.

willywa · 06-25-2009, 05:42 PM

If your a walmart affiliate there may be some language in the agreement that says you cannot.

Christopher Allen · 06-25-2009, 05:57 PM

Why wouldn't Target bid on "Walmart" and vice versa? I'm just surprised there are no ads for a keyword that gets a lot of searches. Certainly someone can make money from that keyword for the minimum bid...

Jeff Henshaw · 06-25-2009, 05:58 PM

Possibly you could, but I would be careful.

Problems might arise if, for example, your link was diverted and pointed to a site which 'harmed' Walmart, or it's reputation.

If your intentions are those of a genuine marketer - and I'm sure that they are - then why not contact Walmart and ask them the question?

If they refuse your request - nothing lost.

If they have an affiliate program though, then they will probably want you to sign up to that and will expect you to promote in accordance with their affiliate terms of service.

Whether those terms will allow you to use Walmart in the search engines however, is something you will need to research for yourself, after signing up.

Just my thoughts,

Jeff.

Christopher Allen · 06-25-2009, 07:02 PM

I wouldn't use an affiliate program run by Walmart, but a CPA offer run by one of the networks.

I guess I'll just have to test it and find out...

ppc4profit · 06-26-2009, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopher Allen

I've read through Google's trademark policy, and it seems to me like you're allowed to bid on trademarked keywords...

All the above means is that Google has stopped being the policeman and will not prevent you bidding on a trademark term - this does not mean that it is legally approved by the trademark owner.

Google are just seeking to reduce their costs and say 'nothing to do with us - it is a matter between you and the trademark owner'.

Jeff Henshaw has good advice which you should consider before you adopt your "I guess I'll just have to test it and find out.." approach.

06-25-2009, 05:26 PM	#1
Christopher Allen Warrior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 11 Thanks: 5 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Can I bid on the keyword "Walmart"? I've read through Google's trademark policy, and it seems to me like you're allowed to bid on trademarked keywords, but you can't use the trademark in your ad. Is this correct? The reason I ask is because if I do a search for Walmart or Target, I don't see any ads. There are Walmart/Target Gift Card CPA offers that you could promote... so why not target that keyword? Is is just not targeted enough or or is it a trademark issue?

06-25-2009, 05:40 PM	#2
red172 Banned Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: UK currently on vacation Posts: 20 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Can I bid on the keyword "Walmart"? Ive been wondering about that too. I honestly dont know if you can or can't.

06-25-2009, 05:42 PM	#3
willywa Warrior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: , , . Posts: 17 Thanks: 3 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Can I bid on the keyword "Walmart"? If your a walmart affiliate there may be some language in the agreement that says you cannot.

06-25-2009, 05:57 PM	#4
Christopher Allen Warrior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 11 Thanks: 5 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Can I bid on the keyword "Walmart"? Why wouldn't Target bid on "Walmart" and vice versa? I'm just surprised there are no ads for a keyword that gets a lot of searches. Certainly someone can make money from that keyword for the minimum bid...

06-25-2009, 05:58 PM	#5
Jeff Henshaw Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Wales, UK. Posts: 1,250 Thanks: 88 Thanked 157 Times in 129 Posts	Re: Can I bid on the keyword "Walmart"? Possibly you could, but I would be careful. Problems might arise if, for example, your link was diverted and pointed to a site which 'harmed' Walmart, or it's reputation. If your intentions are those of a genuine marketer - and I'm sure that they are - then why not contact Walmart and ask them the question? If they refuse your request - nothing lost. If they have an affiliate program though, then they will probably want you to sign up to that and will expect you to promote in accordance with their affiliate terms of service. Whether those terms will allow you to use Walmart in the search engines however, is something you will need to research for yourself, after signing up. Just my thoughts, Jeff.
	Build and grow your list, by owning your own Private Label Newsletters

06-25-2009, 07:02 PM	#6
Christopher Allen Warrior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 11 Thanks: 5 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Can I bid on the keyword "Walmart"? I wouldn't use an affiliate program run by Walmart, but a CPA offer run by one of the networks. I guess I'll just have to test it and find out...