Google Makes It Into the Dictionary

A Guide Through the Legal Jungle Trivia Question

The 2006 editions of the Merriam-Webster dictionary and the Oxford English Dictionary include the term “google”. What validation for the California-based search company that goes by the same name! How likely is it that those in the Google corporate boardroom began back-slapping and high-fiving each other in celebration when they heard the news?

A.    Likely

B.    Not Very Likely

The correct answer is B. It’s not very likely that Google company officials were ecstatic with the inclusion of “google” in the dictionary. Inclusion in the dictionary moves a brand name such as Google one step closer to becoming a generic term. If ever deemed generic, Google would lose the ability to protect its name as a trademark.