Although the terms of the settlement in the lawsuit brought by Geico, the Government Employees Insurance Company, against Google were not disclosed, most analysts are calling the decision a victory for the Internet search engine.
Geico had sought to prevent Google from linking ads to searches using trademarked company names. Geico argued that Google should not be allowed to sell ads to rival insurance companies that appear whenever Geico's name is typed into the search box.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema granted Google's motion for summary judgment on that issue, but allowed the case to move forward in regard to whether ads that pop up and use Geico in their text violate trademark law. Google said that it does its best to prevent ads that violate the policy and that advertisers, themselves, are liable for any trademark violations.
The companies settled that issue to their mutual satisfaction, although no details were revealed, according to Geico. "The terms of the settlement are confidential. No further comment on the settlement will be provided," said the company in a statement.
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