Maybe You’ll "Search for this on Google"
August 15, 2006 by Jason Bean
Filed under Computers
Google is laying down the law on people using their name as a verb.
I guess there’s something that could be said of “brand dillution” using the word as a verb. But, I’d think having your brand’s name synonymous with the idea of search is exactly what you’ve been looking for isn’t it?
Let’s think of similar challenges from the past:
- Kleenex – are they really selling any less tissues because I refer to I-can’t-even-think-of-the-other-brand’s-name tissues as “Kleenex”?
- Xerox – does anyone refer to making copies as “Xeroxing” it anymore? And how much do I actually think of Xerox as a company anymore?
- Q Tips – does anyone else even make little sticks with cotton affixed to the end of them?
- Coke – I think this is more reasonable, although it’s probably regional as well. Growing up in the south, every carbonated drink could be referred to as a “coke”.
What do you think? Should “Do-No-Evil, Inc.” shut their pie-hole and enjoy the status they’ve achieved or not?
I didn’t learn what a “tissue” was until I was 4 years old. Before that it was simply “Kleenex.”
Unfortunately due to trademark law, a company must put forth a good faith effort to protect their trademark, otherwise they lose it.
From what I understand, appearances and due diligence are everything regardless of actual success. I don’t think Google really cares, but they’ve got to maintain appearances. They might “really” care when and if they ever start losing marketshare, and people start “googling” things on Yahoo. (Or wherever.)
I wasn’t a huge fan of Google when it first appeared. Too plain. But now when I go to search for anything, I use google? Why? Because I remember the name. It’s not like going to the grocery store and looking for the best price. When someone sits down to search/google, they type exactly what they are thinking – google. How many school text books discuss things like this? Google needs to enjoy being an icon.