I am the holder of the trademark, but I'm not sure it will be that easy unfortunately. The issue is that according to my research, there are no tech business located at that address. So maybe it's a private person or someone working in other businessess at that address. Also, since I have a feeling that there is a scammer behind this, I'm not sure if a robber will care about this kind of threaten. Of course it might be worth a shot, but I think it's incredible that google is allowing these kind of things to happen leaving users powerless. And I'm also kind of lucky because I hold the trademark (something valued zero at google, but it might help me getting out of this) but think about people not even knowing their website is associated to other businessess.
You're probably right. They would only be infringing your trademark if they were doing business in the same category of goods and services. What they're doing sounds much more like some kind of defamation than any kind of trademark infringement. But if they're criminals they probably don't care much about the possibility of a civil action.
Google Maps are rubbish. In my experience they don't even show streets in the right place. When you're ordering something you can always write in the "delivery instructions" something like: "Don't use Google; try openstreetmap.org instead." Then, if they turn up an hour late somewhat grumpy: "I did warn you!"
> In my experience they don't even show streets in the right place.
The map editing link / tools have been made much more prominent and accessible over the last year or two. I've moved done streets in my town and the experience was fairly painless.
That's not "map editing", it's some half-assed attempt that at best allows you to modify some minor details of map listings. It is absolutely pathetic compared to the features of OSM map editor and the map editor GMaps had. You can't even now enter a place's name in three local languages for f* sake.
It's IMHO because no longer can users properly edit maps. It's now only poor crowdsourced+automagical judgement of minor changes.
There's a post office closed for a year or so now that literally can't be removed, Google thinks it's correct and edits get autorejected. It's incredibly stupid.
I have mentioned this before and mentioning again hoping someone from google will read. Google support literally sucks or they don't know how to do business at all. People are willing to pay for support, so someone at google can listen. But that option is also not available. These days hacker news is only way to get attention from Google.
Another example, recently I tried to connect my blog with google ad-sense ( I bought domain from google and also using g-suite). THis is the response I got,
Some of our services are temporarily experiencing delays during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This means that we’re unable to review your site at this time.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience.
Ok I got it. I can understand current situation. But com'n guys at least have courtesy to update me when your services are up. Do you wanna apply me again and again ? If I do, you will mark me as spam. These guys never return a single note on any feedback. What do you want me to do ?
I don't think this is accurate, I've been through trademark requests with Google and it has always worked out before lawyers need to be involved. It does take time and you have to rattle a few bells but there are procedures in place.
The best advice I can give you, if/when you talk to a real person at Google and they are not helpful, just hang-up and try again until you find someone who can help you.
Maybe it's because of the covid situation, but if you read the content of the email they sent to me (I've posted it in another comment) I probably didn't even have the chance to talk with a real human being. This is why I've reached out to HN. Hopefully I eventually be able to talk with someone though, thanks for the advice.
