Google Ads Trademark Disapproved: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

Last checked 3 October 2026 against Google's documentation. By Muhammed Abdul Kalam. Blocks some ads

Quick fix

A Google Ads trademark disapproved status means a trademark owner complained and Google restricted their trademark in ad text. Keywords aren't restricted; the ad text is. Remove the trademark from the ad, or, if you resell or review those products, make the landing page clearly show that, then appeal.

Find the trademark in your headline, description or assets, not just keywords.
Check whether you are a direct competitor of the trademark owner.
If you resell the brand, check the landing page lets people buy and shows prices.

Can't fix it yourself? Send me the details

What this error means

Trademark owners can ask Google to restrict their trademark in other advertisers' ads. Google then limits ads that use the term in their text, for example from direct competitors or in a confusing way. Resellers and informational sites can still use it if their landing page qualifies.

Google's rule applies only when the trademark appears in the ad itself, not only on the landing page.

Why it happens

1You compete with the trademark owner

Ads from a direct competitor that use the trademark are restricted.

How to tell if this is you: The trademark belongs to a business that sells what you sell.

2The use could confuse people

Using the trademark in a confusing, deceptive or misleading way is restricted.

How to tell if this is you: The ad could be read as coming from the brand itself.

3Your landing page doesn't show you resell or review it

Resellers can use the trademark if the landing page is dedicated to selling those products, offers a way to buy, shows prices and makes clear you are a reseller.

How to tell if this is you: You sell the brand but the landing page is your home page or lacks prices.

How to fix it

Fix the ad

Open your ads and hover over the status to read the policy.Campaigns then Ads
Select Edit and remove the trademark from the ad text, or use the word only in its ordinary descriptive meaning.
Select Save to resubmit.

If you resell or review the brand

For: Your landing page doesn't show you resell or review it

Send the ad to a page dedicated to selling those products, with a way to buy and prices shown.
Make clear in the ad and on the page that you are a reseller or an informational site.

How to appeal or request a review

If you believe the ads are wrongly restricted, appeal using the instructions in the notification for the restriction.

Follow the appeal instructions in the restriction notification in your account.
If you are unsure which route applies, use the Google Ads Trademark Troubleshooter.

What to include

Explain whether you are a reseller or informational site, and point to a landing page that shows it.

What not to do

Don't create new violating ads after appealing: restrictions are then generally kept in place.

Open Google's review page

How long it takes

Google reviews most ads within one business day, though some take longer. If an ad is still under review after more than 2 full business days, check its status; after more than a week, contact Google Ads support.

How to stop it happening again

Bid on brand keywords if you like, but keep competitor trademarks out of ad text.
Remember a restriction follows ads using the same second-level domain in their final URL.
Fix disapprovals: trademark violations get a warning at least 7 days before any suspension.

From my desk

Stick to what the policy allows, and look at each brand's rules separately. Where a client resells other brands, the site content should make clear what is sold, and authorisation helps where it is needed. Disputes go through Google's own trademark process.

Muhammed Abdul Kalam

When to get help

You've appealed and the restriction stays, and you can't tell what still triggers it.
The account has received a warning about repeated policy violations.
Your business sits in a regulated category and you are unsure which certifications apply where you advertise.

Stuck on this? Send me the details.Tell me what the platform shows and what you've tried so far.

Send me the details

FAQs

Can I use a competitor's brand name as a keyword?

Google doesn't restrict trademarks used as keywords. The restriction applies to trademarks in the ad itself.

Why is my ad disapproved for a trademark I resell?

Resellers can use the trademark only if the landing page is dedicated to selling those products, offers a way to buy, shows prices and makes the reseller relationship clear.

Does a trademark restriction apply to my whole account?

Restrictions generally apply on an ongoing basis to any ads using the same second-level domain in their final URL.

Can trademark disapprovals suspend my account?

Not without warning. A warning comes at least 7 days before any suspension.

How do I appeal a trademark restriction?

Follow the instructions in the notification for the restriction. Creating new violating ads afterwards generally keeps restrictions in place.