Ever been
confused by searching for a particular brand name on your web browser and being
taken somewhere else?
The ACCC
has taken Google to task over misleading conduct in that competitors can pay to
high jack a major brand's search results. Apparently one of the cases involved
entering "Honda" into the search box and being taken to a page with
"The Trading Post" as the top result.
This sort
of activity is apparently encouraged by Google as they seek to maximize
advertising returns but the ACCC say it is deceptive. The ACCC is saying Google
are responsible, while Google are saying individual advertisers are
responsible. Small businesses who participate in Adwords are advised to be
cautious while the big wigs decide just who is responsible. There is something
unpalatable about pinching someone else's fame because you are the highest
bidder.