German Court Nixes Lawsuit Against Google

A court rejects Metaspinner Media's lawsuit against Google over allegations the Internet search engine allows rival companies to buy ads using trademarked terms.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)—A state court in Hamburg on Tuesday rejected a German companys lawsuit against Google Inc. over allegations the Internet search engine allows rival companies to buy ads using trademarked terms, an attorney said Tuesday.

Metaspinner Media took Google Deutschland to court in May, accusing it of selling ads triggered when users search for the companys "Preispiraten," or "Price Pirate," software, which lets users compare prices in online auctions and shops.

Metaspinner argued that the practice allowed other companies to take advantage of their brand name.

Google has been sued on similar grounds in France and the United States by different firms.

Metaspinner Media attorney Petra Bosbach said the decision in Hamburg had gone against her client, but would not comment further.

"It may take weeks to analyze the decision," she told The Associated Press.

A Google Deutschland spokesman would not comment on the decision.

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