Paid third-party ads on Google that use the trademark of car insurance company Geico in the text of ads could infringe trademark law, and Google may be liable for such ads, according to a recent court opinion.
Although Geico senior counsel Jonathan Shafner said Tuesday that the court opinion signaled that the judge wants the two sides to reach a settlement, he said he could not comment on any settlement discussions.
If the parties do not settle within the 30-day period for which the judge granted a stay, trial could continue on whether Google is liable for damages if Geico’s trademarks are found to be infringed from any non-Geico ads that refer to Geico and what the damages would be, Shafner said.
SOURCE: News.com