Can Facebook really trademark the word ‘face?’
The short answer to that is yes, they probably can. The legal (and egotistical) mumbo-jumbo around that answer is significant, but it does give one a good idea of just how far gone common sense is.
Facebook, and its megalomaniacal mastermind Mark Zuckerberg, are within a couple of steps of obtaining a trademark from the United States Trademark and Patent Office for the word “face.” That is quite a ways over the top in realistic terms, even from the standpoint of ego. One can see how Zuckerberg and his legions of lawyers and MBAs could want and get a trademark for the word “Facebook.” After all, they made it up. But “face” is a different story. I think pretty much all of us can claim prior use on that word, as can the majority of our forbears.
Still, according to a New York Times story, Zuckerberg is going to go for it anyway, and our government, who will do anything for any corporation of group with a lobbyist or eight (but very little for individual citizens) is likely to give it to them. One must suppose that next they will be going after the word “book” unless, of course, Amazon or Google can beat them to it.
This brings to mind an interesting scenario. Most of the good words and combinations of words that could be used to form a domain name for a new Web site were long ago snatched up by domain name speculators and now cannot be registered without going through the domain name speculators first. Now we may see a Dictionary Rush that will make the land rushes of pioneer America look like child’s play. Companies and speculators could buy the rights to all existing words and combinations of letters and stand by just waiting for us to use them, then make us pay a royalty!
Of course, trademarks don’t really work that way, being generally reserved for the use of specified words in special circumstances, which need to be spelled out in the trademark application. So Facebook won’t really be able to send you a bill for using the words “face” and “book.”
Will they?
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November 27th, 2010
Do keep us informed. It seems like this is something that needs to spread more widely.
November 27th, 2010
I think you’ll find they didn’t make up the word facebook as you imply…
November 27th, 2010
Okay, dude, supply us with the history…
November 29th, 2010
They may not bill the average joe for using “face” in conversation, but they could sue other businesses for using “face” in any advertisement, marketing, or public communications, if this trademark goes through.
Quite frankly, I hope they try to sue, it will only expose them for the greed they have, and such a trademark would be dismissed in court.
On the other hand, if they do not take any action, their trademark is then worthless, and Facebook wasted all their money.
December 13th, 2010
I like the way you think, FreedomLover…
December 13th, 2010
let’s face the facts, it appears on the face of it that this penis face might have his way. let’s face it, money talks especially in the face of a corrupt admin like this one. this kinda exposes the true face of this megalomaniac which if this goes thru will force us to face up to a lot problems when we talk or write anything.
December 14th, 2010
I’ve trademarked “a”, and “e”, please refrain from using those Vowels. Thank you.
December 14th, 2010
ll right. I promis to b crful. :)
December 18th, 2010
now you can give word ‘FACE’ on your name application or facebook page,go here:
http://face-book3.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-to-make-word-face-in-facebook.html