Facebook Tries to Trademark ‘Book'

Facebook is in the process of updating its Statement of Rights and Responsibilities and now users must agree to the company's claims of trademarks on "book," as well as "Facebook," "FB," "face," "poke" and "wall," any time they use the social network.

The new user agreement has been updated to curb the use of the words, according to ZDNet. 

You will not use our copyrights or trademarks (including Facebook, the Facebook and F Logos, FB, Face, Poke, Book and Wall), or any confusingly similar marks, except as expressly permitted by our Brand Usage Guidelines or with our prior written permission.

Facebook's user agreement also states that users agree to the new terms simply by accessing or using Facebook, according to Wired. 

Other changes in the usage policy include making language clearer regarding sharing user content and information; changing "hateful" content to "hate speech" and says it's consistent with community standards; changing "share links" to "social plugins"; and an ability to update downloaded products as they become available.

Is it OK that Facebook is attempting to trademark the word "book" and "wall"? Apparently Facebook didn't trademark "book" in the United States even though it compels users to agree Facebook has a trademark on it. However, the social network is going ahead with trademarking it in the European Union.

We understand Facebook wants to protect its brand, but taking away the word "book" and "face"? We're willing to give them "poke," "FB," and "Facebook," so they should give us an everyday word without having to pay the Zuckerberg's company a fee. Expect to hear more about these trademarked names in the coming weeks.

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