this post was submitted on 31 Oct 2023
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[–] Synthead@lemmy.world 190 points 1 year ago (2 children)

It's a shame how obvious they're working their corporate bullying cards simply because of money. Imagine if I created a product called Google and tried to sue Google for it. That would be ridiculous, right? Well, that's what Facebook is doing, just with money.

[–] EatYouWell@lemmy.world 47 points 1 year ago (5 children)

It's not what Facebook is doing. The company has owned the trademark for over a decade, and Facebook is trying to strong arm them into giving it up.

This is also in the UK where they somewhat stand up to companies like Facebook. McDonald's lost their trademark for the Big Mac for trying to do this exact same thing.

[–] Synthead@lemmy.world 47 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Maybe I didn't convey what I'm saying well. Facebook is attempting to take a name because they have money. Laws don't really apply to them, they seem to think, and it's because of their bullying and their money.

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[–] Jivebunny@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Also, Wendy's had this issue as well in Europe, but their issue was about their actual company name.

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[–] squiblet@kbin.social 29 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Facebook isn’t suing Threads. The longtime trademark holder is suing Facebook.

[–] Synthead@lemmy.world 28 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] squiblet@kbin.social 6 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Okay, pointing out the analogy of "Imagine if I created a product called Google and tried to sue Google for it [...] Well, that’s what Facebook is doing" doesn't match this situation.

[–] Synthead@lemmy.world 29 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Facebook created a product called Threads and is attempting to bully Threads Software into taking their name. I was creating a hypothetical situation about how most small companies can't just steal a company trademark, because it's rightfully someone else's. However, if you are a larger company and, have enough money, and have shit ethics, then you can just kinda... ignore that, and for some reason, the US is happy to let wallets write the law.

They did this with Meta, too.

[–] squiblet@kbin.social 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I agree, that is what they're doing. My only point was they're being sued, not suing someone. They just took the name and were ignoring the other company that was already using it.

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[–] pastel_de_airfryer@lemmy.eco.br 76 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Didn't they pull the same shit back when they changed the company name to Meta?

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[–] PrivateNoob@sopuli.xyz 75 points 1 year ago (10 children)

Fuck I wish my old elementary school friends and parents wouldn't use Messenger. I'm eternslly stuck on that platform.

[–] camr_on@lemmy.world 15 points 1 year ago (5 children)

Does Whatsapp connect to messenger like Instagram does? Not sure it's any better though, since it's still owned by Meta. I wish I could get everyone on signal

[–] 10EXP@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 year ago

No, WhatsApp doesn’t.

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[–] pewgar_seemsimandroid@lemmy.blahaj.zone 9 points 1 year ago (3 children)

i saw one person do something like this: messages JOIN ME ON SIGNAL(or anything not owned by Facebook and amazon) IF YOU DON'T WANT TO WELL WILL LOSE CONTACT SO PLEASE JOIN ME

im not sure on how well this will work but maybe exclude you're family but try to get them to atleast WhatsApp but even better a private messager also consider xmpp/jabber and matrix for jabber i recommend calyx institute jabber server

[–] billiam0202@lemmy.world 9 points 1 year ago (2 children)

try to get them to atleast WhatsApp

WhatsApp is also owned by Facebook, so switching to that from Messenger is a bit like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

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[–] AngryCommieKender@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

Telegram or Signal. Whatsapp is owned by Meta

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[–] Thorny_Insight@lemm.ee 59 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I predict that years will go by and it'll still be called Threads.

[–] Cqrd@lemmy.dbzer0.com 39 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Just like Meta is a stolen name. Facebook doesn’t care.

[–] SirQuackTheDuck@lemmy.world 10 points 1 year ago

That's why the UK company is using a cease-and-desist approach, which apparently is an option in the UK.

[–] LemmyZed@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago (7 children)

Absolutely zero care. Too much money gushing in.

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[–] tsonfeir@lemm.ee 42 points 1 year ago (17 children)

Well, since Meta/Facebook will probably be pulling out of the UK along with every other social media company, that’s hardly a “threat”

[–] DannyMac@lemmy.world 60 points 1 year ago (2 children)

You mean, "That's hardly a 'thread?'"

I'll see myself out

[–] tsonfeir@lemm.ee 21 points 1 year ago (2 children)

You mean, “hold this thread as I walk away” 🎶

[–] Amastan@lemmy.world 8 points 1 year ago

Threadful this story. Poor wee nerds. Fight them Meta’s

[–] Crackhappy@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago

Do you want to destroy my sweater?!?

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[–] zerkrazus@kbin.social 35 points 1 year ago (4 children)

I wouldn't be surprised if FB/Meta tried to just settle out of court and pay them off.

[–] mPony@kbin.social 22 points 1 year ago

"That'll be one billion quid, please."

[–] kautau@lemmy.world 10 points 1 year ago (4 children)

They will. This was most likely planned by their legal team in advance, will cost Facebook a negligible amount compared to their revenue and marked as a “risk.” And when they settle it will be a planned business expense, like a fine

[–] frezik@midwest.social 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What would it have cost Facebook to come up with a different name?

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[–] southsamurai@sh.itjust.works 8 points 1 year ago

The company has said that they've spent a decade building their "brand" under that name. So, if they're pushing for a big payout, they intend it to be gargantuan rather than the usual payoff. Changing their name would essentially be starting over in some ways. And the confusion they claim as their reason for action is a legit thing.

I'm not saying that isn't their goal behind the scenes, but FB tried to buy the name and failed, so I have a feeling they aren't looking for the usual quiet payoff that's the goal of that type of action.

[–] MrScottyTay@sh.itjust.works 29 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Isn't this just business news?

[–] douglasg14b@lemmy.world 11 points 1 year ago

It is this is not technology news

[–] Fridgeratr@lemmy.world 17 points 1 year ago

Threads isn't even a good name lol

[–] woshang@lemmy.world 12 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Never download the Meta Threads.

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[–] netchami@sh.itjust.works 10 points 1 year ago

Take the L, Facebook!

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