Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

I've developed a Thunderbird extension which allows users to create and share notes for emails. I would like to advertise it and sell subscriptions to the sharing service. Unfortunately AdWords disapproves the 'thunderbird' keyword. The report they have sent me doesn't states clearly under which circumstances I could use the keyword.

I'm wondering whether there are any precedents with other software plugins and Adwords? How can I solve this problem?

share|improve this question
I don't think you'll be able to use a keyword that is a trademark or a name of common software. Imagine this would be possible, and for example Microsoft advertised under "iPhone". – lukeshek May 5 '12 at 13:12
@lukeshek It depends on what the trademark owner wants. I think that some owners may wish to provide such rights to third-party plugin developers. Simply because more plugins for their software makes it more popular. – alehro May 5 '12 at 13:20
Sure. Well, just call the AddWords and ask them. You can set up an advertising campaign by phone, and if it's your first campaign, they might also offer you a bonus (I was offered one). – lukeshek May 5 '12 at 14:29

2 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

Google has the final say in these matters. If you want to use AdWords you have to play by their rules.

You have two options:

  1. Not use the keyword "thunderbird" in your ad copy.
  2. Contact the trademark owner and request that they allow you use of their mark in your ads.

From the Google AdWords help center:

If an advertiser has been restricted from using a trademark and disagrees with the owner's assertion of exclusive rights or believes he has a right to use the mark, we encourage the advertiser to contact the trademark owner directly and request permission to use the trademark. If the trademark owner (or contact person listed on the trademark complaint) provides Google with an authorization, the advertiser will be able to use the trademark in his ad campaign. Please note that the trademark owner may change or rescind the authorization at any time.

share|improve this answer
Your answer is too general. I need solution specialized for advertising of mozilla extensions or at least of any plugin development. Anyway, I'm trying to contact AddWords. Let's see what they say. – alehro May 6 '12 at 12:04
@alehro I don't understand what it is that you are looking for from us. You asked "How can I solve this problem?", and I answered it. My answer applies to mozilla extensions and plugins. Google has strict rules on the use of trademarks that apply to all AdWords campaigns, including those for mozilla extensions. Your only option is the one I have stated in my answer: contact the trademark owner and/or Google. – Zuly Gonzalez♦ May 7 '12 at 16:15
up vote 0 down vote accepted

According to answer I received from Mozilla team every add-on should receive approvement for purpose of advertising in AdWords individually. Also content of ads should conform to Mozilla Trademark Policy. By example such sentences as “Add-on Name for Thunderbird” are allowed, but “Try Add-on Name – featured by Thunderbird” are not allowed.

After all I hope my add-on will be approved.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.