AfterDawn: News

FiftyThree wants trademark for 'Paper' after Facebook refuses to part with name

Following the launch of Facebook's new news/news feed reader app Paper, startup company FiftyThree asked Facebook to change the name as it takes away from their own popular iOS design and drawing app of the same name.

Facebook declined.



The company has now applied for a trademark for "Paper," in an effort to protect their brand name. FiftyThree CEO and co-founder George Petschnigg had said they were keeping their options open, and this appears to be one option. The startup currently has the trademark for "Paper by FiftyThree."

Trademark lawyers believe that FiftyThree would have a case if they decide to move forward legally. Trademarks can be use-based meaning that "just by using a mark in a particular field, you've got rights. Some are state-based and some are federal-based, but if I start using a mark before you in the same area of goods or services, I've got rights to the mark over you."

Additionally, being that FiftyThree already has another trademark it makes those rights stronger.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 5 Feb 2014 17:12

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• 2 comments

• Tarsellis

  All I can say is, (and I hate apple) this position by FiftyThree has lost any business or chance at my business that they would have had.
  
  Claiming to copyright a common English word is as bad as trying to claim you can copyright a rectangle or phone icon.
  
  <edit>Copyright, trademark, whatever, same bull crap lawyer guild enriching feces that shouldn't be allowed to spawn in the first place.

  8.2.2014 00:03 #1

• xboxdvl2

  Originally posted by Tarsellis: All I can say is, (and I hate apple) this position by FiftyThree has lost any business or chance at my business that they would have had.
  
  Claiming to copyright a common English word is as bad as trying to claim you can copyright a rectangle or phone icon.
  
  <edit>Copyright, trademark, whatever, same bull crap lawyer guild enriching feces that shouldn't be allowed to spawn in the first place. its as bad as a company trying to say they own the letter i (hmm apple anyone).i think its a stupid lawsuit but i think apple have tried stupider in the past and got away with it.
  

  custom built gaming pc from early 2010,ps2 with 15 games all original,ps3 500gbs with 5 games all original,yamaha amp and 5.1channel surround sound speakers,46inch sony lcd smart tv.

  8.2.2014 01:23 #2