nice! but can use google logo without permission?

That is seriously interesting and helpful. It does grab and make one curious to google you hehe. But like liewcf said can you use their logo without permission? Furthermore, does this method actually help in you getting traffic. I mean it looks cool without a doubt.

Hmm… why would you want to promote Google's brand instead of YOUR own brand since it's YOUR namecard?

Hi Liew,

As I explained, if you read the article referenced above, Google themselves gave out namecards like these to users who registered with Google Profiles. Secondly, Google's terms and conditions says that if you reproduce a screen shot of Google that is “unaltered”, you don't need to ask permissions. See: http://www.google.com/permissions/index.html

Hmm… why would you want to promote Google's brand instead of YOUR own brand since it's YOUR namecard?

Hi Jasper,

Google is the undisputed leading search engine. The “hidden” message on the card is simply the fact that I can get a common name like “Brian Wong” ranked no.1 on Google. It makes the recipient of the card curious to see what I do. The card itself is neither endorsing Google or myself. Its basically a call to action to do a Google search for “Brian Wong”.

This card is not meant to help me get traffic.

Here's the scenario – let's say you go to a seminar and meet about 20 people and get 20 namecards. 99% of these end up in the bin.

The idea behind this card is to make an impression, hopefully get the recipient to do a Google search and hopefully end up being either a blog subscriber, Twitter follower or Facebook friend before the card ends up in the bin.

Hope that makes sense.

Yes Brian makes perfect sense, which is why even i wouldn't mind trying this as namecard. Naw me asking about the traffic was just a thought because i was showing your post to another friend of mine. But yeap my thoughts exactly on why you would use your Google Profile on a namecard. Just to be different.

Also you get 9 additional possible branding points for the cost of one, so to speak. When someone Googles you, if you are doing a decent job of managing your “Googple Public Relations”, you get 9 additional (above and beyond your website or blog) places where you can have them connect with you. That is, hopefully your Facebook, Twitter and other accounts show up in the results. So by Googling you, they go right to those points of connection and get to choose the one they want to use to interact with you. Smart idea. Simple. I may “borrow” it. :)

I'm not sure “Google did it, so it's okay” is good legal justification for saying it's okay to use their logo. They probably won't prosecute, since the card promotes them- but I wouldn't bet on it. And they would win if they decided to. (Even besides their deep pockets- the legal issue here is completely clear).

I think this new design doesn't let people know what you do at all. I'm not sure “curiosity” is enough. People are lazy, people don't look deeply at things. Most people, upon seeing this design, would probably think you work for Google.
At least the previous design made a little more sense.

You didn't read Google's Permissions page very well.

“Please note that using a screenshot of a Google search results page in connection with advertising your products or services (for instance, showing a top ranking on Google) is not considered instructive or illustrative, and therefore is not permitted.”

-And-

“[We] generally do not approve the use of our logo in third-party marketing materials. This includes online and offline advertising and collateral such as:
• Case studies
• Client and referral lists
• Sales presentations
• Print, broadcast, outdoor or online ads
• Product demos
• Signage
• Trade show booths”

The best place to go to make high quality custom printing items is http://www.PrintsMadeEasy.com.
They specialize in designing custom postcards, business cards, stationery, labels, brochures, invitations, envelopes, flyers,
greeting cards, letterhead, pens, & labels.

If you’re looking for business cards, PrintsMadeEasy.com is giving away 100 Free Business Cards without their ad on the card.
Just go here: http://www.printsmadeeasy.com/log.php?dest=free...
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After some research, it appears I am one of MANY who created such name cards. See this: http://cli.gs/JgsuBA

So, there's only one way to know for sure if such business cards are permitted – I've written to them to ask permission.

They say they make take 2-3 weeks to respond. I will post the outcome here. :)

I like your business card!

connect with me on twitter:
http://twitter.com/iamkrissy

I think the card is great.

Law is an interesting beast, its designed to be literal but totally open to interpretating the “spirit” of law in question.

I don't think Google will come after you for many reasons
-it represents the brand in a neutral to positive light
-it would NOT affect their revenue (which is why trademarks are created)
-you are not IMPERSONATING Google. This is important because you are not misrepresenting them

The only “grey” area is “would you be seen as a Google employee”. That would be. Given they have already given out cards like this, they set their own precedent as to its use.