The Delhi High Court ruled Google liable for trademark infringement regarding its keyword advertising platform. Sanitaryware manufacturer Hindware filed the suit after competitors purchased its trademarked name to divert search traffic.
The court rejected Google’s intermediary defense, citing its active role in suggesting and auctioning keywords as commercial use. The May 22 ruling permanently restrains Google from allowing third parties to use Hindware as a keyword.
Google must pay nominal damages following the judgment. This decision may force significant changes to trademark protection within India’s digital advertising sector.