Delhi HC fines Google $31,600 for selling Hindware trademark as AdWords keyword
May 22 ruling holds Google liable for infringing Hindware's trademark by auctioning the brand name to rivals via keyword ads. Indian retailers including Zerodha and Shaadi.com welcomed the precedent, which could force Google to rewrite keyword auction rules and lower customer-acquisition costs for trademark holders.
What happened
Delhi High Court ruled Google infringed Hindware's trademark by auctioning its brand name as an AdWords keyword to rivals, awarding $31,600 damages. Indian
Key facts
- $31,600 damages
- May 22 ruling
Why this matters
Inventory your trademark portfolio in India and prepare takedown templates—this precedent opens a low-cost enforcement lane against rivals free-riding on your brand via paid search.