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Display & Video 360 users must comply with this Google Ads policy. Visit the Display & Video 360 help centre for additional restrictions.
In this article
Google Ads prohibits the sale or promotion for sale of counterfeit goods. Counterfeit goods are products that contain a trademark or logo that is identical to or substantially indistinguishable from the trademark of another. They mimic the brand features of the product in an attempt to pass themselves off as a genuine product of the brand owner.
This policy applies to the content of your ad and your website or app.
The following are not allowed:
Products described using terms like knock-off, replica, imitation, clone, faux, fake, mirror image or similar terms when referring to a brand name in an attempt to pass themselves off as genuine products of the brand owner
Examples (non-exhaustive): Non-authentic products that have brand-name labels or logos
Products described using terms like knock-off, replica, imitation, clone, faux, fake, mirror image or similar terms when referring to a brand name in an attempt to pass themselves off as genuine products of the brand ownerLearn more about what happens if you violate our policies.
Violations of this policy are taken very seriously and are considered egregious. An egregious violation of the Google Ads policies is a violation so serious that it is unlawful or poses significant harm to our users. In determining whether an advertiser or destination is violating this policy, Google may review information from multiple sources including your ad, website, accounts and third-party sources. If violations of this policy are found, your Google Ads accounts will be suspended upon detection and without prior warning, and you will not be allowed to advertise with Google Ads again. If you believe there's been an error, and that you haven’t violated our policy, submit an appeal and explain why. Accounts are only reinstated in compelling circumstances and when there is good reason, so it's important that you take the time to be thorough, accurate and honest. Learn more about suspended accounts.
Report an ad
If you think an ad or advertiser is violating this policy, you can report the content through the Google Ads counterfeit complaint form.
Google’s response to a valid counterfeit complaint may include removing the content or terminating the user’s account for this Google product. Google Ads may also document complaints that we take action on by sending copies to third parties or making them available to the public. If your complaint pertains to multiple Google products, please submit a separate counterfeit complaint for each product, using the relevant product's form.
Best practices
- Be clear about your partnerships: If you're an official or authorised reseller for another brand or multiple other brands, make your relationship clear on your own website and in your ads. If you reference another brand but you're not an official or authorised partner, consider a disclaimer on your website and in your ads.
- Use your own branding: Use your own name, logo, images and brand colours on your website and in your ads.
- Avoid using another brand’s identity in a misleading way: Avoid using another brand’s name, logo, images and colours in ways that can trick people. Do not misspell another brand’s name in your ad text, like 'G00gle'. When referencing another brand, follow Google’s policy on trademarks.
Appeal a policy decision
If you believe there’s been an error, appeal the policy decision directly from your Google Ads account to request a review. After it is confirmed that your content complies with policy, your ads will be allowed to serve. If you aren't able to fix these violations or choose not to, remove your ad to help prevent your account from becoming suspended in the future for repeated policy violations.
Need help?
If you have questions about our policies, review the policy guidelines and examples provided or contact Google Ads Support.