Facebook v Shagbook in Trademark Battle

[Renegade]

Not patent or copyright for a change. This time it's trademark infringement.

http://mashable.com/2011/08/04/facebook-vs-shagbook/

In an eyebrow-raising trademark battle, Facebook filed suit against adult dating site Shagbook in May. Facebook’s contention: that the world’s largest social network would be “damaged by the issuance of a registration for the mark Shagbook.”

Shagbook has now filed its own opposition, along with counterclaims, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

As represented by SNRG Ventures, Shagbook, in the filing, “denies the allegation that Facebook is highly distinctive as it is a generic term.” It also challenges the validity of Facebook’s trademark, arguing that it should never have been granted.

When looking at it, Shagbook has a point. The term "facebook" was around well before Facebook.

It reminds me of Apple trying to keep the term "app store" all to itself. Though that was an even more extreme case.

[Deozaan]

When looking at it, Shagbook has a point. The term "facebook" was around well before Facebook.

I'd never heard of a facebook before Facebook.

In fact, I still have never heard anyone use the term "facebook" unless they were referring to Facebook.

[Renegade]

It was a relatively new term at the time Facebook started. But same here -- it's always in the same context.

[f0dder]

They should've just called it faceshag instead.

[nudone]

They should've just called it faceshag instead.

heheheh.  spot on.

[Renegade]

They should've just called it faceshag instead.

Hahahahahah~!

That was a laugh and a half~!

[lanux128]

speaking of legal actions, more lawyer hours might be racked up as the sister of the founder of Facebook leaves the company to start her own..

[attach=#]
• http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/aug/06/randi-zuckerberg-facebook-social-networking

[Renegade]

speaking of legal actions, more lawyer hours might be racked up as the sister of the founder of Facebook leaves the company to start her own..

Oh god... y'know... I kind of wish that we could just go back to the days of duels. Pull out some swords or pistols, and have at 'er. CEOs/presidents of companies only -- no 'champions'.

[Deozaan]

What's wrong with Randi starting her own business(es)? Just because she is leaving Facebook to start her own stuff doesn't mean that whatever she starts will compete with Facebook.

[lanux128]

What's wrong with Randi starting her own business(es)? Just because she is leaving Facebook to start her own stuff doesn't mean that whatever she starts will compete with Facebook.

in corporate world, it's not about competing only. it's more to who came up with an idea that sells. e.g. if any of Randi's idea was deemed to have been thought up while still in Facebook, then Facebook will lay claim to it as their collective idea and will contest it. just like the idea of "facebook" was contested a few years back by Zuckerberg's former classmates/associates.

but then who knows, Big Z might play the benevolent brother and let the sister's company prosper. only to buyout later if it's successful.

[f0dder]

What's wrong with Randi starting her own business(es)?

Nothing... as long as it involved the words "randy", "face" and "shag"