So, on the same day Google launches their absolutely brilliant Google Maps, I hear on NPR that Google is being sued by many companies in various countries. The law suits effectively amount to trademark infringement. Because Google is incredibly good at matching ads to what you searched on, more often than not a competitors product appears on a search. Some companies are claiming that Google is making money off of their trademarks.

One guy on NPR said it's like ordering a Coke and getting a Pepsi. Another guy says it's like selling a billboard for one product next to the building selling a competitors product (where the space on a web page is all up for rent, etc.).

I tend to think it's like ordering a Coke and being told that there are other options you might be interested in. This sort of business tactic is used all the time. It essentially amounts to these companies being scared of a little competition. Clearly, they're unsure that their products are better than those being advertised otherwise they'd just be like, "Hey, our product is better (cheaper, higher quality, whatever). Who cares? It'll sell on it's own merit anyway."

Besides, I usually get ads for the product I searched on anyway. And if people aren't advertising that product, maybe it's not any good. ;)

Google Maps

Posted by Shane on February 8, 2005 10:49 AM | Permalink