Travel companies upset at Google’s Trademark changes
By Darren Cronian on Saturday, April 26th, 2008

From May, anyone can bid for trademarked travel brand name on Google ads, but I know, what does this have to do with travel consumers. Well, surely one issue could be that it’ll be confusing when you view a sponsored advert for Thomas Cook but it directs you to an affiliate website.

Travel companies upset at Google’s Trademark changes

We have all at some time booked a holiday with a brand that we can trust, so you can understand why some travel companies are upset by Google’s decision. Apparently, this change could cost travel companies millions because they want to protect their brands, so it makes me wonder if this cost will be passed on to the consumer.

Can anyone think of any other reason why this change could affect consumers?


Similar posts


Keep up-to-date by subscribing to our weekly newsletter or RSS feed



3 responses to “Travel companies upset at Google’s Trademark changes”

Debbie | 28 April, 2008 at 7:44 am

I don’t see this as a bad thing for consumers. If I’m searching (for example) for “London Hyatt” I’d like to see ads for travel agencies with discount rates at the London Hyatt in addition to the ads that Hyatt itself runs.

Incidentally, this change applies only in the UK and Ireland, not in Google’s other markets.

Debbie

Nick | 28 April, 2008 at 2:24 pm

Darren

The main reason companies are upset was before google trademarked sites people where being direct to other sites, not even anything to do with the company they asked for. So bit like buying a sony TV to end up with a LG. Yes it cheaper but is it the same?

Not what you asked for.

Darren Cronian | 28 April, 2008 at 5:43 pm

@ Debbie

Hotels I suspect are a little different because your searching for the best deal. If I was looking for Thomas Cook though and saw the sponsored ad before the actually TC website then it could confuse consumers and send them on a wild goose chase.

@ Nick

No, another good point of view, that’s what the blog is all about.

Please post a comment