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Display & Video 360 users must comply with this Google Ads policy. Visit the Display & Video 360 help center 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 is 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
Learn 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 authorized re-seller for another brand or multiple other brands, make your relationship clear on your own website and ads. If you reference another brand but you're not an official or authorized partner, consider a disclaimer on your website and in your ads.
- Use your own branding: Use your own name, logo, images, and brand colors 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 colors in ways that can trick people. Don’t misspell another brand’s name in your ad text, like “G00gle”. When referencing another brand, follow Google’s policy on trademarks.
Appeal 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 confirming 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, contact Google Ads Support.