Google Ads Counterfeit Goods Suspension: Causes and Fixes

A Google Ads counterfeit goods suspension is one of the harshest account suspensions you can get. Google’s policy says it suspends the account on detection, without advance notice. This guide explains what the policy covers, what a reviewer can see on your site and ads, and what to check before you appeal.

What is a Google Ads counterfeit goods suspension?

A Google Ads counterfeit goods suspension happens when Google decides that you sell or promote counterfeit goods. Google defines counterfeit goods as products that carry a trademark or logo identical to, or substantially indistinguishable from, another brand’s trademark. The policy also covers products that copy a brand’s features to pass as genuine.

Google calls these violations egregious. Its policy says Google may review your ads, website, accounts and third-party sources. If it finds a violation, it suspends the account immediately. The same page says suspended advertisers cannot advertise with Google Ads again.

You can read the full rule in Google’s counterfeit goods policy.

What does the counterfeit goods policy cover?

Google’s policy covers these areas:

• Selling or promoting products that copy another brand’s trademark or logo.
• Describing products with words such as knock off, replica, imitation, clone, faux, fake or mirror image next to a brand name.
• Non-genuine products that carry a brand’s labels or logos.
• Both your ad content and your website or app.

Why do honest sellers get a counterfeit goods suspension?

Google does not publish a list of triggers, so these are the places we would look first. Any of them can look like a problem to a reviewer, even when your products are genuine.

• Brand names in titles and ads. A brand name can imply that you are the brand or an authorized dealer.
• Words from Google’s list. Replica, imitation or clone anywhere on the site can read as a violation.
• Similar wording. Phrases such as “inspired by” or “AAA quality” could be read the same way.
• Logos on photos. Product images that show another brand’s logo on items you cannot prove are genuine.
• No proof of authorization. Google’s trademark policy says the ad and page must make clear whether you are a reseller.
• Thin trust pages. Weak contact, returns and about pages give a reviewer nothing to confirm you are real.

Google Ads counterfeit goods suspension checklist: 8 things to check

Work through these in order. Keep notes and screenshots of every change, because you will need them for an appeal.

1. Read the notice. Confirm it names the counterfeit goods policy. If it names another policy, use our guide to read your suspension notice.
2. Search your site for risky words. Look for knock off, replica, imitation, clone, faux, fake and mirror image.
3. List every brand name you use. Check titles, descriptions, ads, sitelinks and image file names.
4. Check your images. Remove photos that show another brand’s logo unless you can prove the product is genuine.
5. Gather proof of authorization. Collect dealer letters, distributor agreements, supplier invoices and brand permission emails.
6. Review your sourcing wording. Remove claims about surplus stock, factory overruns or unbranded copies that you cannot support.
7. Strengthen your trust pages. Add a real address, contact details, returns policy and a clear statement of who you buy from.
8. Test your ads and extensions. Make sure every ad, sitelink and callout matches what the landing page offers.

You can also run our free website scanner to catch policy issues on your site before you go further.

Can you appeal a Google Ads counterfeit goods suspension?

Yes. Google says you can appeal if you believe it made an error, and you explain why you did not violate the policy. It also says it reinstates accounts only in compelling circumstances. Google asks for appeals that are thorough, accurate and honest, and you can start from its appeal help page.

So treat the appeal as one evidence-based attempt. Fix the site first, collect your proof, then explain what you changed. If an earlier appeal failed, read why a Google Ads appeal gets rejected before you try again.

How is this different from a trademark complaint?

Google’s trademark policy treats complaints differently. It says trademark violations do not cause immediate suspension, and Google warns you at least seven days before it suspends an account. A counterfeit violation gets no such warning. If you are unsure which policy applies, start with our guide on why your Google Ads account was suspended.

What should you avoid after a Google Ads counterfeit goods suspension?

• Do not open a new account. Google says suspended advertisers cannot advertise again. A new account can add a circumventing systems problem.
• Do not appeal repeatedly. Send one complete appeal rather than several weak ones.
• Do not hide the problem. Renaming the flagged products without fixing the cause can repeat the violation.
• Do not delete your evidence. Keep invoices, emails and screenshots in one folder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Google Ads counterfeit goods suspension?

It is an account suspension that Google applies when it decides you sell or promote counterfeit goods, based on your ads, website, accounts or third-party sources.

Does Google warn you before a counterfeit goods suspension?

Google’s counterfeit goods policy says it suspends the account on detection without advance notice. Trademark complaints work differently and include a warning period.

Can I advertise with Google Ads again after a counterfeit suspension?

Google’s policy says suspended advertisers cannot advertise with Google Ads again. You can appeal if you believe Google made an error, but it reinstates accounts only in compelling circumstances.

Can I sell genuine branded products as a reseller?

Google’s trademark policy generally allows resellers. The page must clearly offer a way to buy, show details such as prices, and make clear whether you are a reseller.

Should I create a new Google Ads account after a suspension?

No. Google says suspended advertisers cannot advertise again, and opening a new account can lead to a circumventing systems suspension.

Can you help me prepare my appeal?

We can help you review your site and organize your proof. We cannot promise a result, because Google decides how it treats your account.