This trademark tidbit came courtesy of the California Bar’s IP publication. A while back we told you about Facebook’s suit against “Teachbook” over the use of the “Book” mark and possible dilution. Seems Teachbook filed a motion to dismiss, and the motion has been soundly denied. According to the post over at Sections:
Although Teachbook pointed to language on its site that it argued distinguished the site from Facebook – by referencing the fact that some schools forbid teachers to use Facebook – Judge Aspen said that teachers might think Teachbook is Facebook’s response to such actions.
“In light of such policies, a reasonable consumer might assume that Facebook was offering social networking services targeted specifically at teachers and addressing the privacy concerns at which the schools’ policies are apparently aimed. The same consumer might further assume that Facebook, in order to draw on its famous name, decided to call that service Teachbook,” he wrote, refusing to dismiss the suit.
The people at Mannatt Phelps & Phillip have posted the opinion, which you can read here.
