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Google suppressing ads critical of MoveOn.org
Internet giant Google has banned advertisements critical of MoveOn.org, the far-left advocacy group that caused a national uproar last month when it received preferential treatment from The New York Times for its General Betray Us message.The ads banned by Google were placed by a firm working for Republican Sen. Susan Collins re-election campaign. Collins is seeking her third term. . . . Googles Web site states, Google takes allegations of trademark infringement very seriously and, as a courtesy, were happy to investigate matters raised by trademark owners. That suggests Google acted in response to a complaint by MoveOn.org. The banned advertisements said, Susan Collins is MoveOns primary target. Learn how you can help and Help Susan Collins stand up to the MoveOn.org money machine. The ads linked to Collins campaign Web site with a headline reading MoveOn.org has made Susan Collins their #1 target. . . . As a matter of trademark law, Google's claim that this is an "infringement" is bogus. There's a doctrine known as "fair use" which permits you to use other people's trademarks for purposes of review, comparison, and commentary, including parody and critique. That's why Ford can run commercials comparing its new car to Honda and Buick, and use the Honda and Buick logos in an unflattering way as part of the pitch. Posted by: Mike 2007-10-11 |
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