TeachBook.com Buys TeachQuest.com For $1,950, As It Settles Its Lawsuit With Facebook.com

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Back in August of 2010 we posted about Facebook.com suing the site, TeachBook.com alleging trademark infringement.

Today comes word from ChicagoBusiness.com that TeachBook.com has changed their domain name to TeachQuest.com.

“Teachbook, the Northbrook-based site sued by Facebook Inc. for using the word “book” in its name, has changed its name to “TeachQuest” as part of a settlement with the Palo Alto, Calif.-based social-networking giant.”

“We are pleased to announce that Facebook and Teachbook have arrived at an agreement that resolves Facebook’s trademark infringement lawsuit and allows for Teachbook’s continued operation under a new name,” Teachbook said in a statement.

“Under this agreement, Teachbook has changed its name to ‘TeachQuest.’ Facebook and Teachbook are pleased to put this dispute behind them.”

The company acquired the domain name TeachQuest.com, in October of 2011 from Afternic.com for a whopping $1,950.

Considering the company must have spent six figures, if not more on legal fees in its battle with Facebook.com its investment in new brand is less than impressive.

 

 

 

About Michael Berkens

Michael Berkens, Esq. is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheDomains.com. Michael is also the co-founder of Worldwide Media Inc. which sold around 70K domain to Godaddy.com in December 2015 and now owns around 8K domain names . Michael was also one of the 5 Judges selected for the the Verisign 30th Anniversary .Com contest.

Comments

  1. WebWiseForum says

    ” for using the word “book” in its name”

    I remember this story when you first reported it.

    Ridiculous claim and is a real shame that Teachbook have ended up relinquishing the name!

    Big companies are scaring people of even original names now. It’s terrible!

  2. gypsumfantastic says

    Ridiculous!

    So for example, were I to be running a website on domain bookkeeping.com, would they try and to me for trademark infringement?

    Without knowing the fine detail behind the case, based on the summary info I think TeachBook.com would have had a chance of winning, but it wasn’t worth the hassle and expense to fight it. And with TeachQuest.com, that is arguably at least as good a brand name for their site (in fact I think I like it better). So good luck to them.

    I note that they have an online tool on their site called Planbook. Wonder if Facebook would have the audacity to make them change that branding as well? (maybe I shouldn’t give them any ideas)

  4. unknowndomainer says

    Teachbook.com makes me think they’re a Facebook wannabe.

    Anyone who saw the TeachBook.com concept or site and claims that they didn’t immediately think of Facebook is being disingenuous.

    TeachQuest.com is a better name.

    It’s not domaining but the naming rights to One Direction is much more interesting…

  5. Dave Zan says

    http://techcrunch.com/2010/08/26/facebook-placebook-teachbook/#comment-72911838

    Thanks for the discussion here. The problem is not merely that they use the word “book.” You’ll notice that we have no complaint against Kelly Blue Book or Green Apple Books or others. However, there is already a well-known online service with “book” in the brand name that helps people connect and share. Of course the Teachbook folks are free to create a similar service for teachers or whomever they like, and we wish them well in that endeavor. What they are not free to do is trade on our name, create confusion, or dilute our brand while doing so. Additionally, it’s important to note that where there is confusion or brand dilution as there is with Teachbook and Facebook, we must enforce our rights to protect the integrity of our trademark.

    Not that anyone has to believe that comment. But given that and their not having pursued other domain names bearing “book” that don’t involve social networks in some way, does that still give the impression they’re trying to claim absolute, exclusive use for “book” or whatever?