Facebook vs Teachbook over “book” Trademark
June 24, 2011
Intellectual Property News and Interesting Facts
Image source: www.facebook.com
Facebook has filed trademark suit against Teachbook.com for using the word “book” in their name creating a false relationship between the two networking websites. Teachbook is an online community network for teachers. Facebook argues that Teachbook’s use of the word “book” dilutes the Facebook brand name.
Facebook does not own the trademark rights to the word “book” in all its forms but the company believes its name trademark applies to the word “book” when used in connection with a website of similar purpose. Facebook alleges that Teachbook is attempting to profit by the Facebook name. Teachbook has attempted to trademark its name and makes claims about being “Facebook for teachers” on the Teachbook website.
Teachbook responded by asking the Judge to dismiss the case or transfer it to a court near its home base in Illinois, Chicago. Facebook said that it was perfectly appropriate to hear the case in California, because Facebook suffered injuries in this district.
The case has been thrown out because the California federal judge overseeing the case has ruled that Teachbook can’t be sued in California, because it doesn’t accept California users and therefore doesn’t even have minimal contact with the state.
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