Google retains ownership of content it creates for its services, like Maps imagery. Users may use Google's content only as permitted by the terms and cannot remove or alter Google's branding or legal notices.
This analysis describes what Google's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The terms clarify that Google-produced content in its services remains Google's intellectual property, and users' permission to interact with that content is limited to what the terms authorize. Misuse of Google branding or content may constitute a breach of these terms.
The updated terms materially reduce service quality commitments. The revised language replaces Google's prior commitment to provide services using "reasonable skill and care" with an explicit as-is disclaimer stating that services are provided "without any express or implied warranties" unless stated in service-specific terms. The updated terms now explicitly apply to all users whether signed in to a Google account or not, extending their scope. Google also clarifies that its Privacy Policy applies to service use. These changes establish that users have fewer contractual recourse options if services fail to function as expected, except where service-specific additional terms or applicable law provide otherwise.
View change record →Removal of explicit IP protection provision for Google's branding may indicate consolidation into other terms or reduced emphasis on trademark protections.
View full change record →New provision explicitly protects Google's intellectual property rights and branding, prohibiting removal, obscuring, or alteration of Google branding, logos, and legal notices.
View full change record →Users who incorporate Google Maps imagery or other Google-produced content into their own projects or products need to comply with the specific use permissions in these terms and any applicable service-specific terms, as Google retains intellectual property rights in such content.
How other platforms handle this
Microsoft reserves the right to restrict the export of data that may compromise the security of the services or Microsoft's intellectual property.
Datadog reserves the right, but does not assume the obligation, to investigate any violation of these Terms or misuse of the Site.
Pharmaceutical products
"Some of our services include content that belongs to Google — for example, many of the visual illustrations you see in Google Maps. You may use Google's content as allowed by these terms and any service-specific additional terms, but we retain any intellectual property rights that we have in our content. Don't remove, obscure, or alter any of our branding, logos, or legal notices.Excerpt from Google's Terms of Service
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision engages copyright law in the US (Copyright Act) and equivalent frameworks in other jurisdictions, as well as trademark law protecting Google's brand identifiers.
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The terms clarify that Google-produced content in its services remains Google's intellectual property, and users' permission to interact with that content is limited to what the terms authorize. Misuse of Google branding or content may constitute a breach of these terms.
Users who incorporate Google Maps imagery or other Google-produced content into their own projects or products need to comply with the specific use permissions in these terms and any applicable service-specific terms, as Google retains intellectual property rights in such content.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 263 platforms. See the full comparison.
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