Google Investigates Copycat SiteGoogle Investigates Copycat Site

Google Inc. on Wednesday said it is investigating a foreign Web site that is copying the search engine's trademark insignia and homepage, with the exception of including what appears to be text advertising.

The site appears to be from Eastern Europe. It includes a link to the real search engine for people looking for an English version, and another link to the company's "About Google" page.

The fake site's homepage copies the Google insignia, and even includes the trademark marking. However, the copycat also includes text advertising on its homepage, which is something that Google does not have on its start page.

The fake site provides search functions, delivering results that appear to be from the original search engine and include a mixture of English and a foreign language.

"This site is not owned, operated or controlled by Google," the Mountain View, Calif., company said in a statement. "We are aware of this site and our legal counsel is investigating the matter."