Intellectual Property & Technology

Important News for Trademark Owners in Connection with Facebook.com Usernames

We have been advised that beginning on Saturday, June 13, 2009, it will be possible for users of the Facebook.com Web site to customize their usernames. Such customization could potentially include using the trademarks or service marks of others. Facebook has advised that trademark owners may take preemptive action by submitting an online form demonstrating their prior rights.

Click here to access the form. One form must be completed per trademark or service mark.

For additional information from Facebook.com, click here.

There will be opportunities to contest unauthorized username reservation after June 13, 2009, including filing an Intellectual Property Infringement Claim with Facebook.com.

Hodgson Russ LLP
Intellectual Property & Technology Practice Group