Google shopping question

I've asked before, but i need to rephrase it.

Does Google Shopping need to recognize the :"brand"?
Most of my stuff is independent, lesser known brands, that google might not recognize.
(But collectors will)
Does this hurt my chances of getting listed?
Most of my stuff is from before UPC codes, so i've put "exempt" in that field.
Does this make the brand exempt too? ... or more important?

I think google shopping does not need to recognize the brand. On my 35mm predominately Kodak slides, made before and without UPC numbers, I put exempt in brand. The slides show up on google shopping.....