Google Bans Bilingual Business Names on Google Maps

Google has updated its guidelines for representing businesses on Google Maps and Business Profiles. The new rule prohibits repeating the same business name in multiple scripts or languages, even if it appears that way on physical storefront signage.

The update was spotted by Hiroko Imai on LinkedIn, who noted that this policy affects any business operating in multilingual or multi-script regions. For example, a business named 'Kafiex' would not be allowed to also use the transliteration 'カフィエクス', but could still use just one of those names.

Google explicitly clarifies that dual-script names are not allowed, even if they appear on physical storefront signs. In the past, business owners often relied on photos of their storefront sign to justify a bilingual name on their profile, but this guideline makes it clear that doing so is no longer acceptable.