am i 'allowed' to hide the G logo and terms on Google Maps?

Question

A simple display:none gets rid of them, is this common practise? My maps are small and they're quite obtrusive...

Answer 1

I believe its specifically prohibited.:

7.4, b, Restrictions. In using Google Brand Features, you will not:

(viii) remove, distort or alter any element of a Google Brand Feature (this includes squeezing, stretching, inverting, discoloring, etc.).

10.13 hide or mask from Google the identity of your service as it uses the Service, including by failing to follow the identification conventions listed in the Maps APIs Documentation; or

and

10.14 ...under which you agree not to:

(i) delete, obscure, or fail to display the Terms of Use link as presented through the Service or described in the Maps APIs Documentation; (j) delete, obscure, or in any manner alter any warning, notice (including but not limited to any copyright or other proprietary rights notice), or link that appears in the Service or the Content;

(http://code.google.com/apis/maps/terms.html)

So I would expect this means you aren't even entitled to fade it out a bit - looks like you either have to make the map bigger or try a different service with a smaller branding (if such a thing exists).

Answer 2

It's against the terms:

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

See 7.4b:

In using Google Brand Features, you will not remove, distort or alter any element of a Google Brand Feature (this includes squeezing, stretching, inverting, discoloring, etc.).

Answer 3

I'm afraid it is against the terms of use for the Google Maps API:

As per 7.4 (d):

(d) Proprietary Rights Notices. You agree that you will not remove, obscure, or alter any proprietary rights notices (including copyright and trademark notices, Terms of Use links, or Brand Features) that may be affixed to or provided through the Service. Where such notices are not affixed within the Service, you agree to display such notices according to the Maps APIs Documentation.