A case recently came before a district court in Florida about
who owned the 'likes' of a Facebook page for a television
programme. Margaret Tofalides and Kimberley Smith discuss the case
and how such likes might be protected under English law.
The use of social media as a communication tool in business
has increased exponentially over the past decade. These
platforms are normally free of charge, but companies invest
significant resources in their creation and upkeep. The
platform, along with any associated "follower",
"like" or other endorsement gained, is recognised to
be valuable asset. But who owns these assets and how
does this work in a global data environment? A recent US
case sheds light on some of these issues, which will
undoubtedly end up impacting other jurisdictions.
