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ARTICLE · 14 JULY 2009

Trademark Owners Tagged In Social Networking Username Programs

Ladas & Parry
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The creation of username registration programs by Facebook and Twitter presents potential concerns for rights holders who wish to prevent third parties from adopting their trademarks as user names.

United StatesIntellectual Property
Matthew Asbell
Matthew Asbell

The creation of username registration programs by Facebook and Twitter presents potential concerns for rights holders who wish to prevent third parties from adopting their trademarks as user names. Different types of brands may realize different levels of value from these types of "social networking" services and should adapt their brand strategies accordingly.

Why Facebook & Twitter Usernames Might Be Important to Trademark Owners

On June 9, 2009, Facebook announced that it would allow pre-existing members to register usernames. That program has now been opened to anyone that registers a page on Facebook. A username enables a member to have a URL in the format www.facebook.com/username as a readily identifiable reference or link to one's Facebook page. While offering customized usernames is not new, Facebook's 200 million members represent a significantly larger user base than most other social-networking services. Furthermore, Facebook's growing advertising

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