Google: Watermarks in Google Shopping Images Violates Guidelines

A merchant who participates in Google Shopping has received a warning from Google that the images they are using in their Google Shopping feed violate their guidelines because watermarks are included. According to the message from Google, the merchant has 14 days to comply with Google’s request to remove watermarks in their images–or be suspended from participating in Google Shopping.

In the warning message, Google provides specific examples of the inappropriate images, and I have posted one of the images above.

Examples of products with inappropriate images

Duet and Harmony Fine Filters (1 pack) (ID:ABC)

http://www.cpap.com/productpage/disposable-white-filters-respironics-duet-lx-1-pack.html Merchant promotional text on image(feed)

Full Face Cushion for Zzz-Mask SG Full Face CPAP Mask – Small (ID:ABC)

http://www.cpap.com/productpage/probasics-zzz-mask-sg-full-face-mask-cushion.html

Merchant promotional text on image(feed)

Comfort Series Nasal Mask Split Washer Kit (5 pack) (ID:ABC)

In this case, the merchant apparently spends a lot of money taking photos of their products for use on their website and in their shopping feed(s) such as in Google Shopping. The merchant claims that they don’t want their competitors using their images without permission. So, they add a small watermark to each photo.