Rosetta Stone and Google Announce Settlement of Trademark Infringement Suit

On Oct. 31, 2012, Rosetta Stone and Google announced their decision to settle their trademark infringement case relating to the sale and use of AdWords in Google's search engine results. Rosetta Stone's 10/31/12 Press Release.  The companies have agreed to work together to "combat online ads for counterfeit goods and prevent the misuse and abuse of trademarks on the Internet." Id. The companies hope that by working together, they can "improve detection methods, and better protect from abuse brands like Rosetta Stone, advertising platforms like Google AdWords, and ultimately consumers on the Internet." Id.
    
As a consequence of the settlement, the lawsuit Rosetta Stone Ltd. v. Google, Inc., Civ. A. No. 1:09-cv-00736-GBL-TCB (filed July 10, 2009) has been dismissed. Doc # 238 (Oct. 31, 2012) (Order and Stipulation to Dismiss), available on Justia. The complaint originally alleged claims of direct trademark infringement (15 U.S.C. § 1114(1)(a)); contributory trademark infringement; vicarious trademark infringement; trademark dilution (15 U.S.C. § 1125(c)(1)); and unjust enrichment.

Related Information

• Rosetta Stone's Policy on AntiPiracy: http://www.rosettastone.com/anti-piracy
  
• Google's Transparency Report (reporting on copyright notice & takedown requests): http://www.google.com/transparencyreport/removals/copyright/
  
• Business Software Alliance on Anti-Piracy: http://www.bsa.org/country/anti-piracy.aspx
  
• Entertainment Software Association on Anti-Piracy: http://www.theesa.com/policy/antipiracy.asp
  
• The FBI's Anti-Piracy Warning Seal: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/white_collar/ipr/anti-piracy