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ACT NOW TO PREVENT FACEBOOK “SQUATTING”

Changes to popular social network site mean brand names are under threat, says Clarke Willmott LLP

Companies‘ brand names and trade marks will be under threat from “username squatters” when changes to social networking site Facebook come into effect tomorrow (SAT).

From 5am on Saturday anyone using Facebook will be able to sign up for a personal Facebook web address, for instance www.facebook.com/yourname

The company says the new Facebook URLs will make it easier for people to search for common names on the site.

The intellectual property team at national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, has warned the changes provide opportunities for those wishing to take advantage of well-known trade marks and brand names, meaning companies who want to protect these assets have to act fast.

“Facebook has done this in order to make it easier for users to promote their online profile, and the changes are mainly designed for individuals, not companies,” warned Ravi Mohindra, partner and intellectual property expert at Clarke Willmott, which has offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Southampton, Taunton and London.

“Even so there will always be people out there who will look for an opportunity to register a well-known brand name, even if they can‘t actually monetise those pages and URLs, potentially causing huge difficulties for companies and brand managers.” 

To crack down on “username squatting” the social media site has put certain procedures in place. For instance only those who created Facebook accounts before username URLs were publicly announced on June 9 will be eligible.

It has also reserved the right to remove or reclaim any username at any time and for any reason.

“Facebook has taken significant steps for people to be able to protect their brands and trade marks from the ‘username squatters‘” adds Ravi Mohindra.

“However, there are still threats there and companies must act quickly because come 5am tomorrow the names will be available to users on a first-come, first-served basis.

“In these type of situations, it is always better to act before the general landrush period starts, so I would encourage all brand owners to take the time to record their trade marks with Facebook as soon as possible. If you later find out that someone has managed to register your brand before you, seek professional advice about how to reclaim it.”

ENDS  12th June 2009

For further information please contact Louie Hadley, Sturgess Van Damme, on 01275 349011 or email louie@sturgessvandamme.co.uk

Photo Caption: Ravi Mohindra