Facebook Usernames Announced, Protect Your Trademarks Now

Client Notification

Beginning Saturday June 13, 2009 at 12:01 a.m. EDT, Facebook is opening up to the public the ability to select a username on a first come first serve basis such as www.facebook.com/username.

If you joined Facebook before usernames were publicly announced at 3:00 p.m. EDT on June 9, 2009, then you can claim a username beginning on Saturday June 13, 2009 at 12:01 a.m. EDT. Users who joined Facebook after the eligibility cut off can claim a username at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Sunday June 28, 2009. If your brand has a Facebook page already set up that meets the requirements and you would like to select a username that you do not want someone else to use, we recommend you identify such name ASAP and try to obtain it by Saturday. Information about the eligibility requirements can be found here.
In addition, Facebook is allowing trademark owners to record their marks with Facebook to prevent (at least temporarily) others from adopting them as usernames. You do not need to have a Facebook account to record your trademarks. Failure to record your trademarks in time may result in others using them as Facebook usernames, with potential negative consequences for your brands and company’s reputation. Please note you can only prevent the use of your exact trademark name. The form for this can be found here.
More information can be found on Facebook’s Intellectual Property Rights Holders FAQ.
If you become aware that a third party has adopted your trademark as a Facebook username or would like more information on this issue, please contact us at [email protected].