Google not guilty in Vuitton row

The European Court of Justice has ruled in favour of Google in a dispute with luxury goods maker LMVH, March 2010. Google has not infringed trade mark law by allowing advertisers to purchase keywords corresponding to their competitors’ trade marks. Advertisers themselves, however, cannot, by using such keywords, arrange for Google to display ads which do not allow internet users easily to establish from which undertaking the goods or services covered by the ad in question originate.

LMVH is owner of Louis Vuitton, Moet & Chandon champagne, Dior perfume and other brands.

Google: European Public Policy Blog, 23.3.10: European Court of Justice rules in Google's favour http://googlepolicyeurope.blogspot.com/2010/03/european-court-of-justice-rules-in.html

ESO: Background information: Google closer to victory in keyword ads legal battle http://www.europeansources.info/record/google-closer-to-victory-in-keyword-ads-legal-battle/

ECJ: Press Release, No.32, 2010: Judgment of the Court of Justice in Joined Cases C-236/08, C-237/08, C-238/08 Google France and Google http://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2010-03/cp100032en.pdf

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