Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 2.8 billion monthly active users as of October 2022. The company was founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg along with fellow Harvard students. Over the years, Facebook has acquired various other companies like Instagram and WhatsApp. This has led many people to wonder – who exactly owns the Facebook trademark and associated intellectual property? Let’s take a closer look.
Facebook’s early history
Facebook started off in February 2004 as ‘thefacebook’ – a social networking website exclusive only to Harvard students. Zuckerberg and his roommates Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes are credited as co-founders.
| Year | Key Events |
|---|---|
| 2004 | ‘thefacebook’ website launched, exclusive to Harvard students |
| 2004 | Expanded to Stanford, Columbia and Yale universities |
| 2005 | ‘thefacebook’ name changed to ‘Facebook’ |
| 2006 | Opened registration to anyone over 13 with a valid email address |
Initially, Zuckerberg paid for the servers and other costs himself after Saverin made an initial investment. As Facebook started expanding to other universities, Zuckerberg realized they needed more finances.
Facebook’s ownership history
In mid-2004, Zuckerberg and Saverin signed an agreement forming the company Facebook Inc. based out of Florida. Saverin owned a 35% share in the company since his initial funding while Zuckerberg owned 65%.
Over the next couple of years, Zuckerberg raised funds fromPeter Thiel and Accel Partners, diluting Saverin’s ownership share significantly. By 2009, Saverin was no longer associated with Facebook.
| Year | Key Funding & Ownership Changes |
|---|---|
| 2004 | Facebook Inc. formed in Florida by Mark Zuckerberg (65% owner) & Eduardo Saverin (35% owner) |
| 2005 | Peter Thiel invests $500,000 for 10% ownership |
| 2005 | Accel Partners invest $12.7 million for 15% stake |
| 2009 | Eduardo Saverin’s shares diluted to under 5% |
| 2012 | Facebook goes public, Mark Zuckerberg retains control with majority voting shares |
In 2012, Facebook went public to raise further capital, valuing the company at over $100 billion. Zuckerberg retained control as CEO and Chairman by owning majority voting shares.
As of 2022, Zuckerberg owns over 350 million Facebook shares worth over $40 billion. This gives him majority control with nearly 60% of voting power in the company.
Facebook’s corporate structure
Facebook Inc. is the parent company that owns and controls the Facebook social media platform along with other acquired assets like Instagram and WhatsApp.
Key Details
| Headquarters | Menlo Park, California, United States |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founders | Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes |
| CEO | Mark Zuckerberg |
| President | Sheryl Sandberg |
| Owner | Publicly traded company, Mark Zuckerberg (majority voting control) |
As a publicly traded company, Facebook has many shareholders. However, Mark Zuckerberg retains majority control through super-voting Class B shares that give him 10 votes per share versus 1 vote per regular Class A share.
This corporate structure allows Zuckerberg to make strategic decisions for the company while still having access to public capital.
Key Subsidiaries
Facebook Inc. owns and controls various subsidiaries, most notably:
– **Instagram** – Acquired in 2012 for $1 billion when Instagram had about 30 million users. It now has over 2 billion monthly active users.
– **WhatsApp** – Acquired in 2014 for $19 billion. WhatsApp now has over 2 billion monthly active users.
– **Oculus** – VR headset manufacturer acquired in 2014 for $2 billion.
So while Facebook Inc. is a publicly traded company, Mark Zuckerberg maintains majority control and voting power. The Facebook trademark and brand is tightly controlled by Facebook’s board and leadership.
Facebook’s trademark and intellectual property
Facebook has registered many trademarks associated with its brand and products over the years. This gives them exclusive rights to the use of these marks.
Key Facebook Trademarks
| Trademark | Registration Date | Goods/Services Description |
|---|---|---|
| March 28, 2006 | Online social networking services | |
| FB | May 10, 2011 | Online social networking services |
| LIKE Button | May 10, 2011 | Social networking website like button widget |
| Oculus | April 1, 2014 | Virtual and augmented reality hardware and software |
Facebook aggressively protects its brand and intellectual property through trademarks and patents. For example, they sued Teachbook.com in 2011 for having a similar name and forced them to change the name.
Key Facebook-related patents cover areas like their news feed, timeline, messaging, advertising systems, and more.
Previously Settled Trademark Lawsuits
| Defendant | Year | Dispute Reason | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teachbook.com | 2011 | Similar name | Forced to change name to Teacherbook.com |
| FB.com | 2009 | Domain name | Transfer ownership of FB.com to Facebook |
| ConnectU | 2008 | Alleged trademark infringement | Settled lawsuit, terms confidential |
Based on past protection of their trademarks and intellectual property, it is clear Facebook will aggressively defend their ownership of the brand – even for uses in different industries or contexts. Any use of Facebook, FB, Like button, or other similar phrases is likely to get challenged.
Conclusion
While Facebook Inc. is a publicly traded company, Mark Zuckerberg maintains majority control and ownership through super-voting shares. The parent company Facebook Inc. wholly owns subsidiaries like Instagram and WhatsApp.
The Facebook name, branding, trademarks, patents, and intellectual property are all tightly controlled by Facebook’s leadership team. Their legal history demonstrates aggressive defense of their trademarks.
Any company or product attempting to use the Facebook name or similar branding is likely to face legal action. Facebook has established clear ownership and control of the trademark since its founding in 2004.
References
- Facebook Newsroom – Company Info and Timeline
- Facebook Investor Relations – SEC Filings
- United States Patent and Trademark Office – Trademark search
- CBS News – Facebook sues Teachbook.com
- TechCrunch – Facebook acquires Instagram
- CNET – Facebook buys WhatsApp for $19 billion