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Trademark

Facebook Tries to Trademark the Word “Book” in Updated User Agreement

March 26, 2012

It has emerged that social networking giant Facebook is trying to tighten its grip over another generic word ‘book’.

The social media behemoth slipped in the word in its updated user agreement page, which will soon become official, and that means all Facebook users who log onto the site are agreeing to the terms.

Facebook is said to have at least 70 trademarks already that includes ‘F,’ ‘F8,’ ‘Wall,’ ‘Friendfeed,’ and ‘Facebook Ads,’

The current statement reads:

You will not use our copyrights of trademarks (including Facebook, the Facebook and F Logos, FB, Face, Poke, Wall and 32665), or any confusingly similar marks, without our written permission.

But in the updated user agreement page, the statement reads:

You will not use our copyrights or trademarks (including Facebook, the Facebook and F Logos, FB, Face, Poke, Book and Wall), or any confusingly similar marks, except as expressly permitted by our Brand Usage Guidelines or with our prior written permission.

Wired said that while the agreement isn’t as binding as a registered trade mark, because every Facebook user ultimately agrees to the new terms, the net Facebook casts is a wide one.

What do you think of this?

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Facebook And Shagbook- Trademark Battle.

August 7, 2011

gavel Facebook And Shagbook Trademark Battle.

Facebook and Shagbook Trademark battle

Facebook has file a suit in the United States against ‘Shagbook’, a British based website known as the “hottest place to hook up with local singles for no string attached adult dating”.

Facebook alleges that Shagbook will damage Facebook’s reputation “by the issuance of a registration” of its name, according to the suit. It claims that the use of the very name “Shagbook” is a violation of the social-network’s trademark because the site’s name is highly similar in “appearance, sound meaning and commercial impression”. The tussle comes after Facebook infringed against web site called Teachbook and Facebookofsex.com run by Friendfinder Network.

Shagbook fired back in the filing that ‘Facebook’ was a generic term and therefore Facebook’s claim had no standing. It relies on four main points: a) Facebook should never have been allowed to trademark “Facebook”. b) Facebook is engaging in trademark misuse and trademark bullying for anti competitive reason. c) There’s no likelihood of confusion, especially since Shagbook is a dating site and Facebook has explicitly said not. d) Not only is ‘Facebook’ generic, the company itself has used it in a generic manner.

In the midst of all these controversies and counter allegation, could Facebook stand firmly in retaining its trademark or just end up losing it.

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Facebook In Trademark Fight Over “Placebook”

October 2, 2010

Facebook is in another trademark fight with a Hub start-up company over the use of the name “Placebook” in its popular mobile-web application.

Boston-based Where Inc. was given time till Tuesday to remove a Placebook button from their “Where” program as well as withdraw a bid to trademark the Placebook name.

“Where” is a program that helps cell-phone users find local restaurants and shops. The Placebook button allows users to store information about their favorite restaurants and shops.

“Facebook will have no choice but to consider its alternative legal remedies in the event your client’s cooperation is not immediately forthcoming,” the company warned where Inc.’s lawyers in a recent letter according to a report on Boston Herald.

Where Inc’s lawyer says Facebook’s actions only indicates that it is a “big bully who sends cease-and-desist letters out to little guys who give in.”

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