Use “google” with caution. The use of the term as a verb has apparently irked Google. This is particularly with regard to using “google” as a generic term for searching even on other engines and portals.

Search engine giant Google, known for its mantra “don’t be evil”, has fired off a series of legal letters to media organisations, warning them against using its name as a verb.

[T]he California-based company is becoming concerned about trademark violation. A spokesman confirmed that it had sent the letters. “We think it’s important to make the distinction between using the word Google to describe using Google to search the internet, and using the word Google to describe searching the internet. It has some serious trademark issues.”

Some couldn’t believe the sudden shift in attitude by the cool guys from Google from being “do no evil” people to “we’re bigger than you” bullies. Still, I understand the repercussions of the use of “google” as a generic term for search. It could water down the brand’s worth by being applied to other sites and companies as well. However, it’s also great for mindshare, wouldn’t you think?

Suddenly, I’m worried about our use of “Go Ogle!” on an upcoming site I’m contributing to.