“I thought the use of the “Betray-Us” ad featuring their logo was the trademark violation. If it’s just the use of the name at issue, then of course it’s insane.”
Even if the ad were used, it is ‘fair use’. Political discourse can’t be supressed over brand identity.
Trademarks were established so businesses could protect themselves from similar sounding (or identical) copycats. That is a far cry from the issue here.
I thought they had a reasonable out, given the cost of fighting in court against a political ally. Legal issues come up when someone threatens litigation — frivolous or otherwise — which they seem to be implying.
But... I was wrong. A lot of people don’t find it reasonable and the story’s getting traction. I hate Google anyway, so I’m fine with that.