Facebook looks to trademark the word 'face'

[Brandon]

According to the BBC The social networking giant Facebook is a few steps away from trademarking the word face, online documents reveal.

The site has been asked to detail a "statement of use" by the US Patent and Trademark Office, explaining how it intends to use the word.

If granted, the trademark will only apply to online sites and services used to exchange messages.

It could limit the use of the word in other social networks and services, such as Apple's Facetime, lawyers said.

Trade mark specialist Fiona McBride, from law firm Withers and Rogers, said the move was "not as unexpected as it may sound ".

"Facebook is right to lay legal claim to use of the word 'face' in the context of social networking sites and other specific computer-linked activities because they have built up a reputation in the name Facebook, of which arguably 'face' is the dominant element," she said.

 

[Homebody]

This may begin a whole new set of problems for people who like to win and yell, "In your face!"

 

[Sandy]

I wonder how it will influence other companies that have the word 'face' in their names.

 

[Homebody]

Good question, Sandy. It will be interesting to find out if it goes through. BTW, welcome to GF.

 

[elena]

Wow, the idea itself is genious, they will earn money from the word)
but whether they will be able to do what they want is the second question...

 

[Freshfroot]

I can't seem them winning.

I remember someone tried to get the word forum and they failed.

 

[Homebody]

I think you may be right, freshfroot. I really would be surprised if they did win. Still, stranger things have happened...