'Thunderbird' keyword for my extension's Adwords company disapproved?
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?
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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 12 years ago
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@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 12 years ago
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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 12 years ago
2 Answers
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:
- Not use the keyword "thunderbird" in your ad copy.
- 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.
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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 12 years ago
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@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 12 years ago
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.
