Your Trademark Is At Risk - Facebook Launches Customized URLs...

Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2009, the social networking giant Facebook will allow its users to create personalized URLs (usernames) for their Facebook pages (www.facebook.com/username). The usernames will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis. Facebook's new program creates the risk that your registered trademark could be improperly used as a username.

Action Items

1.  In order to assist in protecting the rights of trademark owners, Facebook has developed a program that will allow trademark owners the option to register their marks to prevent other users from improperly using the trademarks in their username. Registered trademark owners can notify Facebook of their trademarks to prevent registration of infringing usernames by submitting relevant information through the Facebook trademark protection contact form.

You should take action to prevent the registration of infringing usernames as quickly as possible, ideally before the June 13, 2009 registration start time.

2.  In addition, if you discover your registered trademark is improperly used in a username, Facebook will provide an automated form for owners to claim their intellectual property rights are being used without authorization.