Facebook’s parent corporation Meta has been sued by Lawyers of the Dfinity Foundation, a Swiss organization behind the Internet Computer blockchain, over a trademark infringement case for its infinite logo.
Dfinity’s legal team claimed Meta Platforms was making use of its logo, which also symbolizes the mathematical symbol for infinity, “in some of the same or similar areas in which Dfinity has already obtained registration for its mark” in a Friday court filing with the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
Facebook’s parent company submitted an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Body, or USPTO, in March 2022, according to the blockchain business, and the same office awarded Dfinity registration in October 2018.
Meta vs. Dfinity
Dfinity’s legal team further said that the infinite symbol had been used on the company’s website since March 2017.
Many experts believe that mathematician John Wallis was the first to use the “loopy” symbol to depict the notion of infinity in the 17th century, but the design might date back centuries.
Dfinity’s complaint seems to be centered on registering a trademark for use in industries offering comparable products and services, such as computer software utilizing blockchain technology, rather than on Meta’s logo employing the infinite sign itself.
“Further, both Meta and Dfinity utilize the same marketing channels such that consumers will likely encounter the marks through those same channels […] Despite knowledge of Dfinity’s mark, Meta chose to proceed with its application to obtain registration in some of the same or similar areas in which Dfinity has already obtained registration for its mark.”
Meta “knowingly infringed” on Dfinity’s trademark based on its USPTO registration, according to Dfinity, and showed “willful and wanton contempt of Dfinity’s established and superior rights.”
The attorneys stated that Dfinity had already lost money due to a misunderstanding over identical logos. While the apparent disparity persists, the company will continue to do so and risk “reputational injury.”
Based on Meta’s claimed trademark infringement and “false designation of origin,” Dfinity’s legal team has asked for lawyers’ costs.
In addition, the corporation requested punitive damages for any potential uncertainty about Meta’s products and services “as to the source, origin, sponsorship, and relationship.” The blockchain company has asked for a jury trial.