Removing the Google Maps API Premier Terms-of-Use/Logo/etc. links?

Question

is it legal to remove the logo/terms of use link displayed on my integrated google map (google maps premier)? The problem is that when I zoom into the map, the link tends to get longer and loger and overlays the whole website which is pretty ugly. Of course it is possible to give the div container a "overflow: hidden;" flag which helps a little. But it is still not satisfying.

Thx

Answer 1

If you use the Google Maps service in any way, they request that you retain their branding. It is infact in the Terms of Service I believe, so techincally no it is not legal.

9.4 Attribution Content provided to you through the Service may contain the trade names, trademarks, service marks, logos, domain names, and other distinctive brand features of Google, its partners, or other third party rights holders of content indexed by Google. You may not delete or in any manner alter these trade names, trademarks, service marks, logos, domain names, and other distinctive brand features.

Reference: http://code.google.com/apis/maps/terms.html

While it is against the Terms of Service, this is however possible using CSS rules - however the below reference is using a GreaseMonkey script. It may be possible with an included Stylesheet.

Reference: http://userstyles.org/styles/1929

Answer 2

You can remove it as long as you put the data next to the map on your page.

From Google's Permissions page:

http://www.google.com/permissions/geoguidelines.html

All uses of Google Maps and Google Earth and Content MUST provide attribution to Google and our suppliers. In no circumstance do we approve of any use of Content without proper attribution. Requests for exceptions will not be answered.

Attribution is the line(s) shown on the bottom of the Content in the products along with copyright notices, such as "© 2009 Google, Map Data © 2009 Tele Atlas." (The exact text of the attribution changes based on geography and Content type.) The attribution text must be legible to the average viewer or reader. The automatically-generated Google logo and attribution text may only be removed or obstructed if reintroduced in a visible form elsewhere within the Content. In print use, if for some reason attribution cannot be placed within the Content, separate attribution text must be provided directly adjacent to the Content. In video, attribution must appear on-screen for the entire duration the Content is displayed; we cannot approve requests to move attribution to end credits. Below is a demonstration on where to find attribution in Earth and Maps.