Ten days ago, we reported Google was testing Google Related AdWords Ads. Google confirmed this was a "beta experiment" that would use "relevant broad match keywords another opportunity to reach their target audience."
Emma from Periscopix noticed an update where now the ads are broad matching to competitor trademarks. I personally see it myself now.
A search for [Barratts Shoes] shows some ads for Barratts Shoes but also ads for Clarks Shoes and ALDO shoes. Here is a screen shot:
Rod Hull at Search Engine Watch Forums call these related ads, "evil ads." Why Evil? Well, even if a competitor is not targeting competitors trademark names, Google may do that for them now.
Forum discussion at Search Engine Watch Forums.
