Lamebook, the site that parodies social networking giant Facebook by allowing users of the popular social networking site to submit hilarious status updates, pictures, or other obscure bits is suing Facebook over trademark infringement, according to TechCrunch.
An odd turn of events, especially since Lamebook was created in April 2007 by two graphic designers from Texas to simply mock the social network. This lawsuit isn't filed as a legitimate suit against trademark infringement, but rather a way to protect themselves from Facebook. Just under a year after Lamebook had been serving as a hub for the flubs of Facebook, the social network sent cease and desist letters requesting them to change their name and the design of the site, which is intended to look like Facebook.
This issue escalated to where Facebook was then threatening to sue Lamebook, and to protect themselves, Lamebook sued Facebook as a declaratory judgement so they get a preemptive decision from court that there was no foul play on Lamebook's part.
Facebook responded to the action by saying this:
“It's unfortunate that after months of working with Lamebook to amicably resolve what we believe is an improper attempt to build a brand that trades off Facebook's popularity and fame, they have turned to litigation. We are confident in our position and believe we will prevail in court.”
Lamebook's view on the whole situation is that the site is a parody, nothing more, and that they're protected by the First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution. Recently Facebook has gone after other sites that simply have "book" as part of their name, such as Teachbook and Placebook. By getting this preemptive decision and playing it legally smart, Lamebook should fend off Facebook for at least a little while.
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