Facebook trademarks the word "Face"

**xxtoni** · 25 November, 2010, 06:38 AM

The US Patent Office has granted the trademark of the word "face" to Facebook when it comes to the following areas:

"[t]elecommunication services, namely, providing online chat rooms and electronic bulletin boards for transmission of messages among computer users in the field of general interest and concerning social and entertainment subject matter, none primarily featuring or relating to motoring or to cars"

What does this mean for the rest of us ?
Nothing good, that's for sure, any website that serves in the areas previously stated with the word "face" in the domain can be terminated by Facebook as they now own the word in all things social-network.

Too bad Apple's Facetime isn't in any of those fields, it would be interesting what they would do with Facebook for threating their new pet like this.

Share your comments and concerns

**Andy101** · 25 November, 2010, 10:55 AM

It's a slap in the face for us I think. But the word "face" has to be separated by spaces doesn't it? Like "faceplant chat" is not the same as "face plant chat" (possible trademark infringement) for example.

**SonnyCooL** · 25 November, 2010, 11:05 AM

when they grow, nothing benefit us ......

**Shenron** · 25 November, 2010, 16:24 PM

What can I say?

STUPID!!!

**Aquarezz** · 25 November, 2010, 16:55 PM

They also have the user-rights on Wall & Poke.

On another note:
A commenter points out that aside from the issue fee, Facebook will have file a Statement of Use and use the trademark on its own in commerce before it has actual legal claim over the word “Face.” Right now it only uses the word “Face” in conjunction with “book,” but that will have to change if it wants to have any right to the trademark.
Source: TechCrunch