On December 15th Google was victorious in a trademark-infringement lawsuit filed by GEICO in a U.S. Federal Court.
However, as Stefanie Olsen reports on News.com, it was a different story the next day for Google in France.
In a blow to Google's keyword-bidding engine, the French court ordered the company to stop linking ads to Le Meridien-trademarked terms by Monday or face a daily fine of $194 (150 euros). The company must also cease linking ads related to Le Meridien brands within 72 hours of whenever Le Meridien notifies it of listings in violation, or face a daily fine of 150 euros. Finally, Google must pay all court fees and a fine of $2,592 (2,000 euros). Google will appeal the decision.
More in the article: Google loses trademark dispute in France.
This is not the first time Google has been taken to court over trademark infringement issues in France.
+ In October 2003, Google was fined after losing a case filed by two travel agencies.
+ Also in October 2003, it was first reported that Louis Vuitton was suing Google. Google eventually was fined and told to stop the practice.
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