Founders seize on Indian court ruling to revive criticism of Google’s ad business
An Indian court ruling has reignited criticism of Google's advertising practices, particularly regarding keyword ads. The Delhi High Court found Google liable for trademark infringement in a case involving Hindware, leading to support from Indian entrepreneurs who argue that the system unfairly diverts traffic from established brands. Legal experts suggest that while the ruling may prompt platforms to reassess their processes, its broader implications for online liability may be limited.
- ▪The Delhi High Court ruled against Google for trademark infringement in keyword advertising.
- ▪Entrepreneurs claim Google's ad practices divert traffic from established brands to competitors.
- ▪Legal experts believe the ruling's implications for online platforms may not be as significant as public reactions suggest.
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| Original publisher | TechCrunch |
| Canonical URL | https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/29/founders-seize-on-indian-court-ruling-to-revive-criticism-of-googles-ad-business/ |
| Publication time | Sat, 30 May 2026 02:00:00 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-30T02:06:27.827Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-30T07:51:41.559Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A recent Indian court ruling against Google’s keyword advertising practices has gained fresh attention after founders said competitors have long used the system to siphon off customers and force companies to pay to protect their own brands. The ruling, delivered by the Delhi High Court on May 22 in a trademark dispute involving bathroom fittings maker Hindware, found Google liable for trademark infringement over its keyword advertising practices and awarded the company ₹3 million (around $31,600) in nominal damages. In her 163-page judgment (PDF), Justice Mini Pushkarna rejected Google’s argument that it was merely a passive intermediary in serving ads on its search platform.
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