Seems rather bizarre that Twitter doesn’t own the trademark to the word “tweet” doesn’t it? Well in fact, it doesn’t. The word is a registered trademark of a company calledTwittad.
Twittad says it’s “the largest and most effective form of sponsored advertising on Twitter.” And, smartly, in 2008 the company trademark the word “tweet” after using the slogan “Let Your Ad Meet Tweets” for its company. The company managed to obtain the registration quite simply because nobody opposed it.
Last month, Twitterfiled a lawsuitagainst Twittad in hope that this would force the company to cancel its trademark. Twitter also went to the extent of suspendingTwittad’s twitter account, which strangely enough appears to currently be lifeless. Irrespective, Twittad and its chief executive James Eliason stood firm.
Eliason told the WSJ that because “Twitter’s users came up with “tweet,” the word is fair game.” On the contrary, Twitter believes “It is in the best interests of our users and developers for the meaning of ‘Tweet’ to be preserved to prevent any confusion, so we are taking action to protect its meaning.”
Today however,Eliason tells the WSJthat Twitter will drop a lawsuit and in return, Twittad would transfer its registered trademark of “tweet” to Twitter.
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Twitter has reportedly also recognised the settlement by issuing a statement saying:
“We’ve arrived at a resolution with Twittad that recognizes consistent use of Tweet while supporting the continued success of Twitter ecosystem partners like Twittad,” Twitter spokeswoman Lynn Fox said in a statement.”
On the face of things, Twittad’s ownership of the word “tweet” seems to be its most valuable asset. With aTwitter accountwith no tweets since February, avery dated websiteand aFacebook pagewithout a post since June 2010, acquiring the word “tweet” might just be Twittad’s most lucrative transaction.
On a slightly unrelated note… Have you checked outTweet Speaker? The app speaks Tweets to you!
Story byZee
Former CEO of The Next Web. A fan of startups, entrepreneurship, getting things done faster, penning the occasional blog post, taking photos(show all)Former CEO of The Next Web. A fan of startups, entrepreneurship, getting things done faster, penning the occasional blog post, taking photos, designing, listening to good music and making lurrrve.
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