Indian Court Ruling Against Google Over Trademark Keywords Sparks Debate In Advertising Industry

By CPI
Publication Date: 2026-05-31 17:16:00

A recent ruling by an Indian court against Google has triggered widespread discussion among businesses and legal experts, with many saying the decision could significantly affect the country’s digital advertising landscape.

The Delhi High Court ruled on May 22 that Google had infringed the trademark rights of Indian bathroom fittings manufacturer Hindware by permitting competing companies to use the brand’s name as an advertising keyword, according to Reuters. The court ordered Google to pay damages of approximately $31,600.

According to Reuters, the court found that Google’s advertising practices enabled competitors of Hindware to target consumers searching for the company’s products by purchasing the “Hindware” trademark as a keyword. In its judgment, the court stated that “the manner in which Google operates its AdWords Policy makes it clear that Google sells or auctions the use of the trademark … without any authorisation from the proprietor of the…

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