FACEBOOK Failed to Apply the Trademark “脸谱”in China

FACEBOOK, a famous online social networking platform and a leading photo sharing site, attracts millions of users with its uniqueness. Recently, FACEBOOK applied a Chinese trademark “脸谱”intending to use it on entertainment and other related services. However, the application was dismissed by the Trademark Review and Adjudication Board of the State Administration for Industry & Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (the Board), on the reason that the trademark on application is similar with another trademark using on an identical or similar goods. Afterwards, Facebook Inc. filed an administrative lawsuit to the Beijing First Intermediate People’s Court against the Board. Currently, the court made the first instance verdict to sustain the original judgment by the Board.