On May 22, 2026, the Delhi High Court ruled that Google infringed on trademarks through its AdWords platform, awarding ₹3 million (~$31,600) in nominal damages to bathroom fittings company Hindware.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Mini Pushkarna, concluded that Google actively allowed competitors to use Hindware's name as a keyword to divert customers, rejecting the company's claim of being a passive intermediary.

The ruling gained renewed attention after Indian entrepreneurs, including Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath and Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu, highlighted how competitors have long used Google's advertising tools to redirect traffic from established brands, often forcing companies to spend on protecting their own names.

Google stated that its Ads policy prohibits competitors from using trademarked terms in ad text and emphasized ongoing efforts to align with local legal frameworks while safeguarding users’ interests.

Legal experts, however, caution that the ruling's impact on online platforms in India may be limited, as courts have previously established that liability applies when platforms play an active role in unlawful activity.

This case emphasizes that providing access to trademarked keywords in advertising, even without user knowledge, can constitute participative action by platforms.

India, with its vast internet user base, represents a crucial market for Google, making this ruling particularly significant for its search and advertising operations.