News Bite
JULY 2009
The online social networking site Facebook has started allowing users to register personalised user names such as for example facebook.com/joebloggs. The registration of such names is not restricted to individuals and since the purpose of this initiative is to raise the profile of users and make it easier for them to be located through search engines, it is anticipated that the ability to register names in this way could prove to be a valuable marketing tool. However, there is also a risk that Facebook users will try to register names in which they have no genuine rights.
Businesses with or without an existing Facebook presence are being advised to consider registering their brand early to help prevent impermissible use by third parties. Brand owners should also monitor registrations as it is anticipated that the introduction of this facility could well lead to a new wave of cybersquatting. New addresses are being assigned on a first come first serve basis, although a procedure is available to report unauthorised use. How effective this will be in practice in dealing with the ongoing problem of cybersquatting remains to be seen.
For more information please contact Deborah Rider in our Litigation team: drider@gdlaw.co.uk or on 0207 404 0606.
This is a guide for general information and interest only and should not be relied upon as providing specific legal advice. |
