Quote:
Originally Posted by Adult Rental Chris
They're not suing sites solely on the use of the word 'book' in a URL, but on the way it is used. For instance, "teachbook" is a social community website for teachers and is using the word 'book' in their name. Where did they come up with the idea to use 'book' from? Why not Teachersunite or Teachercommunity, etc etc.
Think about it, before Facebook who would have thought about using 'book' in their URL for a social site? Before Facebook, it was Myspace, so Teacherspace, etc.
Facebook has a point. I'm not sure how this will fly in the courts, but I can see the where they're coming from on this.
|
Facebook only has a point in regards to other social networking businesses, and must defend it even in that realm. Outside of that realm, they have no jurisdiction over the use of the word book in any way. But they will probably continue to flex their muscle because many small businesses just don't have the resources to go to court against something like Facebook with virtually unlimited legal funding.
Basically, who cares if some random company was inspired by the Facebook use of the word "book". TeachBook is in trouble because they are (were) mimicking the very thing that IS Facebook.... but suing companies that have nothing to do with social networking in any way is just plain vicious & greedy. Companies like Monster Cable, strong-arming Monster Mini Golf over the use of the word "monster" in their name.... and companies like Facebook strong-arming a travel agent.