Google Has Rejected me

[user-7256]

Last week I faxed Google 6 pages requesting permission to use GooglePlans[dot]com for my blog, http://googleplans.blogspot.com

The letter I got back is rather disappointing (I can post this publically, right?):

-----------------
Dear Matthew,

Thank you for your interest in Google! We are always happy to hear from enthusiastic users. While we are flattered by your endeavor, unfortunately, we cannot approve your request (original fax attached) to use "Google" in your domain name or to use our Google logos.

In general, we do not allow the use of the Google name in URLs nor do we allow the use of the Google logos by 3rd parties. We hope you understand our position and know that we appreciate your support.

Thank you for your inquiry,
-----------------

I guess I can understand why they'd do this, but most of the 6 pages was explaining how I would explicity state my non-affiliation, etc, etc, and it would be pro-google... Ah, oh well... $10 down the tubes... at least I didn't get sued.

I will probably have to change the URL of my blog now from "googleplans.blogspot.com" to "gplans" or somethin... Will I have to?

Thanks,
-Matt

PS. Is there any way I can get a domain WITHOUT the word Google in it and still make a google fan site, w/ no Google logos, and still be legal, without needing to request their permission?

...and what do I do with this domain that doesn't expire till next September???

 

[dgridley]

Good point..

They dont want people to give the wrong expression of Google. If I was in their position, i would do the same thing.

 

[dodoler]

I found a site which is created to compare both news
http://www.googleyahoonews.com/

why ppl love to use google or yahoo as part of domain name? what are the advantages????

 

[Masahiro]

To be hosenst, I'm not suprised you were rejected - Google seem to be trying to keep all these sites away.

 

[user-7256]

Yeah, after seeing the list of domains they registered, I can understand why...

Yes, my blog is still up: http://googleplans.blogspot.com - if I ever feel like I have to move it to a different blogger address since it has "google" in it, I will place an auto redirect there.

Gosh, can you imagine the lawsuits I'd get if I made "fan" site for eBay, Google, Yahoo!, Amazon, and Micro$oft? Eww.... that's messy territory. I'd be anti-M$ anyway.

Well thanks all... been a wonderful read :lol:

 

[dodoler]

my 2 cents

I think you dont need to worry bout your googleplans.blogspot.com.

Can you guys still remember? YaGooHooGle - which compares Google and Yahoo search results.

Please go to www.yagoohoogle.blogspot.com and look for trademark problems to learn how Google and Yahoo! take legal action.

So, after reading the above case. In my opinion, if they think you violate any of their terms of service, they will terminate your domain without any notice. Now yagoohoogle.com is belong to Yahoo! INC. Sad to hear that.

Another case is http://www.googleguy.de/ which compares Google and Yahoo search results. But if you think we cannot use google word as part of our domain name, why it is listed in google directory? please go to http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&cat=gwd%2FTop&q=googleguy.de

There is another news compare site as what i have mentioned in my previous post http://www.googleyahoonews.com/ - they are using RSS to show Google and Yahoo! news as what they explained in http://www.googleyahoonews.com/about.php

All in all, dont use their name to do something illegal then you will be safe...

 

[user-7256]

Alright, thanks for that read...

 

[Tech2]

I say use it, if google doesn't like it, you get free publicity.

 

[Dave_Z]

I say use it, if google doesn't like it, you get free publicity.

And risk being sued up to $100k per name if you and google are in the US?

 

[Tech2]

call me crazy, but yea..

I believe what Google is doing is wrong, along with microsoft and other companies and i don't scare easily by threats or fines.

 

[Reppy]

gewgleplans.com

 

[bluenic]

hmmmm....if google is so strict, i wonder how google**r[dot]com got away with it? i'm not trying to bad mouth, ,but it was just a question in thought.

 

[user-7256]

Because Google is also so busy