Rosetta Stone sues Google over trademark violation

Rosetta Stone Inc, a technology-based language-learning software firm, has filed a lawsuit against Google for trademark infringement, alleging the internet search company allowed other firms to use Rosetta Stone's trademark through Google's AdWords online advertising programme.

Google confirmed to reporters that its policy is to allow trademarks to be used to target AdWords advertising.

"We allow trademarks to be used as keyword triggers in AdWords because users searching on Google benefit from being able to choose from a variety of competing advertisers," said Google spokesman Andrew Pederson.

"Just as it's reasonable to expect a range of brands on any shelf in a grocery store, providing users on Google with more than one option when they search for a brand name or other trademark helps them to find the best product at the lowest price," Penderson added.

Google has been hit with several similar suits related to its Adworks program, which allows advertisers to link to search keyword searches.

In May, Google adjusted its trademark policy in AdWords in the United States to allow some ads to use trademarks without permission, saying the change brought the California company more in line the industry standard.