Like domain names, social networking user names are often an extension of an entity’s identity. Businesses use social networking identities to promote themselves as a source of goods and services. Abusive use of social networking user names allows a third party to benefit from the goodwill byproduct endorsement and such abusive behavior constitutes intellectual property infringement.
Among the first publicized evidence of abusive social networking behavior resulting in infringement occurred when an Internet social networking site was sued for allowing the creation of a Twitter site using a famous person’s name without authorization. Douglas MacMillan vs. Twitter, No. CGC-09-488101 (Cal. Super. Ct. filed May 6, 2009). The complaint stated that an unauthorized person created an account using a famous person’s name and posted content using that account which constituted cyber squatting.
This content has been archived. It is available through our partners, LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law.
To view this content, please continue to their sites.
Not a Lexis Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law are third party online distributors of the broad collection of current and archived versions of ALM's legal news publications. LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law customers are able to access and use ALM's content, including content from the National Law Journal, The American Lawyer, Legaltech News, The New York Law Journal, and Corporate Counsel, as well as other sources of legal information.
For questions call 1-877-256-2472 or contact us at [email protected]
