15 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
15 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Can I Use Another Companies Name In A PPC Ad?

by Jakehyten
13 replies
Lets say for example my competitior is a company called timeshare relief?

Can i place a ppc ad that says

DO NOT use Timeshare Relief

Or since the word is somewhat common in the industry because MANY people do need relief from their timeshare. If i cant use their name like that can i say.

Do You Need Timeshare Relief And not using their name but asking "do you need some relief from that timeshare

what is the law on this>?
#companies #ppc
  • Profile picture of the author Will Edwards
    You won't get a definitive answer to this, but I believe you could be on dangerous ground.

    Will
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[267044].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
    Yes you can.

    Can I ask why you're asking this?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[267093].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jakehyten
      Originally Posted by Floyd Fisher View Post

      Yes you can.

      Can I ask why you're asking this?
      because i want to do it.

      And im not worried about google banning me. I could care less if google bans me. The problem is i dont want to be sued by a company.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[267108].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
        Originally Posted by Jakehyten View Post

        because i want to do it.

        And im not worried about google banning me. I could care less if google bans me. The problem is i dont want to be sued by a company.
        Don't you see such things already being done in print, television, and radio?

        Why would PPC be any different? :confused:
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[268985].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
        Originally Posted by Jakehyten View Post

        And im not worried about google banning me. I could care less if google bans me.
        I wouldn't worry about that- the most likely worst thing they'll do is not allow your ad. It will depend on which company's name you mention.
        Signature
        Comprehensive membership site training
        My other blog
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[269024].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author warriorprocessing
    Try it and see. Google will reject ads using the name of well known companies in them.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[267106].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author warriorprocessing
    Usually the first step before getting sued, you will receive a letter of cease and desist for the company's attorney. If you refuse, then you get sued. Implied here is the time frame from your ad going up and receiving the letter. You could make some money.

    Disclaimer: Not intended to be used as legal council
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[267116].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jakehyten
      Originally Posted by warriorprocessing View Post

      Usually the first step before getting sued, you will receive a letter of cease and desist for the company's attorney. If you refuse, then you get sued. Implied here is the time frame from your ad going up and receiving the letter. You could make some money.

      Disclaimer: Not intended to be used as legal council
      lol thanks again for the help
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[267120].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author LB
      Originally Posted by warriorprocessing View Post

      Usually the first step before getting sued, you will receive a letter of cease and desist for the company's attorney. If you refuse, then you get sued. Implied here is the time frame from your ad going up and receiving the letter. You could make some money.

      Disclaimer: Not intended to be used as legal council
      I see this said here often...really often.

      It is potentially true, but just as often not. Some companies will just sue.

      If it were me, it would probably depend on who was doing it, what they were doing and potential damages...but I might just sue first and ask questions later...

      Personally, using a trademarked term in a negative or derogatory fashion is extremely legally tenuous and I would avoid it at all costs.
      Signature
      Tired of Article Marketing, Backlink Spamming and Other Crusty Old Traffic Methods?

      Click Here.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[269421].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author aaaball
        Originally Posted by LB View Post

        I see this said here often...really often.

        It is potentially true, but just as often not. Some companies will just sue.

        If it were me, it would probably depend on who was doing it, what they were doing and potential damages...but I might just sue first and ask questions later...

        Personally, using a trademarked term in a negative or derogatory fashion is extremely legally tenuous and I would avoid it at all costs.
        Agree with the abouve. Plus, you can not use a trademarked term to drive visitors toward your site or offer, particularly if you are in the same niche.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[269495].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rename
    yup! you can! just make sure that the ads are different from the others
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[269241].message }}

Trending Topics