Facebook Sues Faceporn, Says It Tarnishes Brand

SAN JOSE, Calif. — It's a face off for a small online adult operator against giant online social media company Facebook.

Thomas Pedersen, of Bergen, Norway, has been sued by Facebook, which claims the Faceporn operator copied the mainstream social network to build an adult one.

Facebook, which recently filed suit against Pedersen at U.S. District Court in San Jose, Calif., asks the court to order Faceporn to hand over its web domain and all revenue to Facebook.

It claims Pedersen's site promulgates brand tarnishment, dilution or confusion.

Faceporn, until recently, described itself as "the No. 1 socializing porn and sex network," but now the site has been down since last week and, according to its home page, it soon will be relaunched. The home page features a glimpse of its new logo, which incorporates a face in the "F."

"Due to unforeseen circumstances, Faceporn is down until further notice," the site says. "We are doing our best to come back better than ever. We're currently working to launch a completely new version of the site, and it will be the best porn site the world has ever seen."

Facebook has filed another suit at federal court to prevent a social-networking site from using elements that it considers to be Facebook's property, including the words "book" and "face."

TeachBook was sued in August by Facebook, which claimed that its use of the word "book" violated Facebook's trademark.

Faceporn "blatantly copied the Facebook logo, site and Wall trademark."

Screen shots filed with the lawsuit show some Facebook-like elements, including Wall postings and a similar blue-and-white color scheme, according to screen shots filed in the suit.

Instead of poking, Faceporn users can apparently "send a flirt."

Pedersen could not be reached via email over the weekend; Facebook did not immediately respond to XBIZ for comment.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

JustFor.fans Launches BlueSky Autoposting Feature

JustFor.fans has launched a new BlueSky autoposting feature that shares JFF posts on the social media platform.

Pineapple Support Introduces 'Sacred Rage' Support Group for Performers, Creators

Pineapple Support will host a free online support group for performers and creators, designed for individuals struggling with intense emotions and the pain often hidden behind their anger.

Kansas Attorneys Seek Plaintiffs to Sue Adult Companies Over Age Verification

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement warning that a personal injury law firm in Kansas is soliciting plaintiffs to sue adult companies over the state's age verification

Ukrainian Parliament Registers Bill to Decriminalize Porn

Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, registered a bill today to decriminalize the creation and distribution of pornography.

Cherie DeVille Guests on 'Sex Tales' Podcast

2023 XBIZ Performer of the Year Cherie DeVille is the latest guest on the "Sex Tales" podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall, streaming on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Niki Media Acquires BritSexCash

Production studio Niki Media BV has acquired affiliate program BritSexCash.

FSC Warns of Nude Photography Site Falsely Claiming Affiliation With Organization

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) published a statement Friday warning of a nude art photography website fraudulently claiming to be associated with the industry trade organization.

MojoHost Reaffirms Commitment to Adult Industry Amid Project 2025 Implications

In the wake of Tuesday’s election and concerns about Project 2025’s potential ramifications, MojoHost President Brad Mitchell has released a statement affirming its commitment to the adult industry.

Adult Web Hosting Service 'Midnight-Host' Launches

Midnight-Host, a new web hosting service specifically for adult websites, has launched.

ASN Lifestyle Magazine Joins Pineapple Support as Media Sponsor

ASN Lifestyle Magazine has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support, partnering with the organization as a media sponsor.

Show More