Online Reseller Keyword Advertising Liability 101
Online resellers who use keyword advertising to promote their products and services should be aware of the potential for liability. Keyword advertising can be a powerful tool for attracting customers, but it can also lead to legal trouble if it is not used carefully.
One of the main risks associated with keyword advertising is trademark infringement. When an online reseller uses a trademarked keyword in their ad, they are essentially telling consumers that their products or services are associated with the trademark owner. If the reseller is not authorized to sell the trademark owner's products or services, this could be considered trademark infringement.
Another risk associated with keyword advertising is false advertising. If a reseller's ad makes false or misleading claims about their products or services, this could be considered false advertising. For example, if a reseller claims that their product is the “best on the market” when it is not, this could be considered false advertising.
Online resellers can also be held liable for keyword advertising that is discriminatory or unfair. For example, if a reseller uses a keyword that is discriminatory against a particular group of people, this could be considered unfair business practices.
To avoid liability, online resellers should be careful about the keywords they use in their ads. They should also make sure that their ads are accurate and truthful. If they have any questions about the legality of their keyword advertising campaign, they should consult with an attorney.
Here are some tips for online resellers to avoid liability when using keyword advertising:
- Only use keywords that you are authorized to use. This means that you should avoid using trademarked keywords unless you have permission from the trademark owner.
- Make sure that your ads are accurate and truthful. Avoid making false or misleading claims about your products or services.
- Be careful about using keywords that could be considered discriminatory or unfair. For example, avoid using keywords that target a particular group of people in a negative way.
- If you have any questions about the legality of your keyword advertising campaign, consult with an attorney.
By following these tips, online resellers can reduce their risk of liability when using keyword advertising.