Practice group news

New powers granted to Information Commissioner's Office
14 January 2010

EU-wide patent a step closer?
4 December 2009

Asda clashes with Specsavers in IP dispute
5 November 2009

Exclamation marks cannot be registered, court ruling states
7 October 2009

Legal 500 demonstrates strong support from clients
28 September 2009

Websites 'breaking consumer protection laws'
11 September 2009

Unique Facebook URLs 'potentially infringe copyright laws'

19 June 2009



Facebook's decision to allow its subscribers to create their own unique URL could potentially infringe copyright and trademark laws, revealed Matthew Navarra, Marketing Communications Manager at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). He warned businesses to be extra vigilant when it comes to protecting their rights, adding that they are best-placed to defend their intellectual assets.

"The more a business or individual values these infringeable assets, so the need for protection rises," Mr Navarra stressed. He added that "registering a trademark costs as little as £200, which then protects the trademark for ten years", which could be a safer option for businesses.

Commercial value can be lost or damaged by copyright breaches, the marketing communications manager acknowledged, despite the social networking site offering its users an intellectual property infringement service. He emphasised that the IPO would encourage anyone with concerns to note down the relevant details of such cyber-squatters and take positive action to protect their brand.

If you require legal advice, for either your private affairs or organisation, please call Gerrards Cross based B P Collins Solicitors on 01753 889995, complete the online enquiry form or email enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk.

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