San Francisco – Facebook has filed a trademark infringement
lawsuit against Teachbook, a small online community where teachers share lesson
plans and manage communications with parents and students.
"Misappropriating
the distinctive book portion of Facebook’s trademark, defendant has created its
own competing online networking community in a blatant attempt to become a
Facebook for teachers," the complaint reads.
Facebook spokesman Barry
Schnitt told Wired.com that, while the company has no complaints with car pricing guide Kelly
Blue Book, "there is already a well known online network of people with
‘book’ in the brand name.
"Of course the Teachbook folks are free to
create an online network for teachers or whomever, and we wish them well in
that endeavor," Schnitt told Wired.com.
"What they are not free to do
is trade on our name or dilute our brand while doing so."
Related Links:
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/08/facebook-owns-book
