Google sued

[rpm]

Google sued

Rosetta Stone, a language-learning software producer, has filed a federal lawsuit against Google for infringing its trademark through Google's AdWords online advertising programme.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

 

[tco21]

"Just as it's reasonable to expect a range of brands on any shelf in a grocery store, providing users on Google with more than one option when they search for a brand name or other trademark helps them to find the best product at the lowest price."

Agreed. As long as their brand name isn't being put into a negative light, then they have no case - in the US, it is illegal to slander competitor's brands, and this is clearly NOT what Google are doing/ trying to do. Rosetta Stone have no case.

 

[SlappY]

This is actually going to be a VERY interesting problem to solve...

 

[Byakuya]

Well I do feel that Rosetta Stone has a case, as do the other plaintiffs in the other pending cases. Trademark law is the law, and unless Google wins, thus setting a precedent causing the current US trademark laws to be revised and edited, it is breaking the law and is infringing on Rosetta Stone's right to trademark proprietary.

In May, Google adjusted its trademark policy in AdWords in the United States to allow some ads to use trademarks without permission, saying the change brought the California company more in line the industry standard.

Delict will still need to be proven though.

 

[Gatecrasher]

I'd have more sympathy if the company's name was something unique, like "Uriah McWidget Inc" or somesuch. But Rosetta Stone? That is the historic tablet that finally allowed scholars to translate several ancient languages.

Now what about the poor Google searchers who are confused and deceived when they get served up links to some language learning software company when they are in fact trying to look up information on the real Rosetta Stone.