Is this allowed

I know that cyber squating and bidding on brand names is frowned upon if not allowed.

My question is this - in a search - http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=cranfield+precision&meta= for Cranfield Precision - the Google AdWords section shows a listing for cranfield precision from globalspec.com - Global spec have no affiliation with Cranfield Precision - we have not advertised on there and IMO they have no right to be using our name and marketing it!

Is there soemthing I can do about this?

Any thoughts?

Hi tstolber,

First, you might contact the merchant and ask them to stop using your trademark name... and see what they do...

If they ignore you or refuse, you can contact Google about it... They should help you resolve the issue from there.

From my experience, generally, it's an acceptable practice for merchants or affiliates to bid on trademarked keywords, but not to have the trademark name in the ad itself.

There have been 2 courtcases about this, with opposite results.

http://news.com.com/2100-1030_3-6056754.html

If you're big enough Google UK will concede that bidders cannot use your trade mark brand name in their copy. They can still bid for those keywords though.