Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2010/10/25/facebook_trademark/

Facebook comes down hard on Faceporn

Poke my lawyer

By John Oates

Posted in Legal, 25th October 2010 09:24 GMT

Facebook is suing Faceporn for alleged trademark infringement.

The social networking giant claims Faceporn copied its logo, aspects of its blue and white page design and other trademarks.

A statement on faceporn.com says: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, faceporn is down until further notice. We are doing our best to come back better than ever.

"We're currently working to launch a completely new version of the site, and it will be the best porn site the world has ever seen."

Documents filed with the Northern District Court of California show Facebook wants Faceporn's URL and all revenue received.

A Facebook spokesman told IDG: "We don't believe Faceporn should be able to trade on our name and dilute and tarnish our brand while doing so. Where there is brand tarnishment, dilution, or confusion as there is with Faceporn and Facebook, we must enforce our rights to protect the integrity of our trademark."

Overzealous trademark protection is a common behaviour trait of big technology companies - Facebook has taken previous legal action against a firm called Teachbook.

Apple, one of the worst offenders, is hyper-sensitive to anyone's use of the word 'pod', and has taken action against MyPodder, TightPod, PodShow and Podium.

This became ridiculous when the Mac-maker went after an Aussie turd-burying spade supplier called Ipood.

Whether Facebook is also guilty of overreaction is unclear. Vulture Towers is ashamed to admit it was unaware of Faceporn until earlier today. ®