Article by Nick Abrahams and Ju Young Lee
Originally Published 12th June 2009
Facebook, Inc. has announced that from Saturday 13 June 2009, Facebook users will be able to register a URL. That is, instead of the typical www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=632400065879 , users will be able to choose their own URL (e.g. www.facebook.com/deacons). This will be on a first-come, first served basis.
This has significant implications for owners of registered trademarks as unauthorised parties may attempt to register these trademarks on Facebook.
To combat this cybersquatting, Facebook has announced that it will limit the ability to request a username to users who had a Facebook Page on or before May 31, 2009 with a minimum of 1,000 "fans" as of that date, or to those who had an individual user profile on or before 3 p.m. EDT on June 9, 2009.
Most importantly, Facebook has given all owners of registered trademarks the option to exercise their right to prevent the registration of their trademarks as a username by unrelated users. To do this, please visit www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?show_form=username_rights as soon as possible to ensure that your trademark/s will be effectively protected.
Additionally, if your registered trademark is registered by an unauthorized user, you may contact Facebook at any time to have it removed.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
