So I'm working on my first advertising campaign and within 2 days the ad copy is suspended because I'm "using a trademark." What does Google recommend? Take "promo code" out of the ad copy. Who the heck "owns" promo code? Why is it a problem that I use the phrase but everyone else bidding on the keyword (keywords like, uh, promo code) can continue to use it!? Is this sort of insanity typical for Adwords? How do I protect myself from these sorts of reports, or should I just go and report all my competition for using the word "the."
Are you sure that it was 'promo codes' causing the problem? There are many adverts out there using that phrase, so it seems unlikely. You can always query these things with Google (hit the 'request an exception' link).
Yea, absolutely sure. I changed it out and they reactivated my ad. At least half of the people bidding on these keyword sets were using "promo code" so I have no idea why I was picked out for a complaint, or how Google could auto-act on such a stupid complaint. I didn't see the request an exception link at the time, kind of just jumped in to reactivate the campaign ASAP... Is this kind of stuff common? "Promo code" is obviously not a trademark of any kind, but it seems like that doesn't matter for Google to suspend you.
I've only ever had this happen to me on Company names, so it might be worth while enquiring with them. I can't see how anyone would be able to trademark a term like promo code.