Last week, Microsoft launched its beta program for the official Windows Phone Facebook app, starting with a new version that is a major improvement compared to previous apps. Now it looks like Facebook is going after all those third party apps in the Windows Phone Store that use its name.
WPCentral.com reports that Facebook has sent a letter to Microsoft informing them of 41 third party Facebook apps are in violation of Facebook's trademarks. It's more than likely that Microsoft will insist that the developers behind these apps change them so they don't violation Facebook's rights or remove them from the Windows Store entirely.
Many of the apps in the Windows Phone Store are clear attempts to confuse people into thinking they are "official" Facebook apps, but there are a few of them which are trying to create solid third party software for Microsoft's mobile OS. With the official Facebook app now getting some much needed developer support, it's likely that Facebook wants to make sure any third party apps are not trying to openly use their name or their logo.
The Windows Store section for Windows 8 apps is also filled with third party Facebook apps, many of which use the Facebook name and/or logo in their apps. However, Facebook has yet to release or authorized an official Windows 8 app.
Source: WPCentral.com | Image via WPCentral.com
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