Meta given 30 days to stop using Threads trademark
A small UK software firm has given Facebook owner Meta, well known in the domain industry for pursuing cybersquatters, 30 days to stop using the brand name “Threads” or face legal action.
Meta launched a Twitter clone called Threads back in July and quickly gathered over 100 million users (since declining to eight million daily active users), but Threads Software of London says its UK trademark dates back to 2012.
“Threads Software Limited and its lawyers have today (30 October) written to Meta’s Instagram giving it 30 days to stop using the name Threads for their service in the UK. If it does not, Threads Software Limited will seek an injunction from the English Courts,” the company said in a press release (pdf).
The company further claimed that Meta’s lawyers have tried to buy the domain threads.app from it four times this year but were turned down each time. Meta is using threads.net, Threads Software uses threads.cloud.
Threads Software says it operates a service that “captures, transcribes, and organises all of a company’s digital messages (emails and phone calls) into one easily searchable database”.
Managing director John Yardley said in the press release: “We recognise that this is a classic ‘David and Goliath’ battle with Meta. And whilst they may think they can use whatever name they want, that does not give them the right to use the Threads brand name.”
“We want them to stop using the Threads name with immediate effect. If they do not, we will seek an injunction from the UK courts,” he added.
The irony here is of course that Meta owns some of the most-cybersquatted brands out there and is one of the most litigious enforcers of its intellectual property.
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