Facebook Usernames: Cybersquatting and Your Intellectual Property Rights

There’s a bunch of Internet marketers whining because ambitious cybersquatters and affiliates took advantage of Facebook usernames’ land rush by claiming the names of famous Internet marketers and online brands as their Facebook usernames. I’m not condoning cybersquatters – just noting that it isn’t a big deal if you follow Facebook’s instructions.

If you’re looking to get a customized Facebook username, click on this link.

Before registering, review Facebook’s Username FAQs.

And if you think that someone has violated your intellectual property rights by registering a username, simply file a Facebook  Notice of Intellectual Property Infringement (Non-Copyright Claim).

P.S. You can find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/internetlawfirm

Internet Attorney: Cybersquatting Draws Microsoft’s Wrath

After suing hundreds of cybersquatting domain name owners last year for infringing on its trademarked terms, Microsoft (MSFT) has announced that it will launch a new round of lawsuits against cybersquatters. Many of these defendants won’t be able to afford an Internet attorney.

Just because a domain name is available to be registered, doesn’t necessarily give you the legal right to use it. Grabbing a domain that includes some company’s name and sitting on it hoping for a big pay day can be considered cybersquatting.

If the name contains a trademarked term, you run the risk of having the trademark owner filing suit. Be sure to consult with your Internet attorney to reduce your risk of getting sued.

Hat tip to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer for its take on the Microsoft cybersquatting lawsuits.