A small software company in the UK has sent a letter to Meta to stop using the name “Threads,” which is the name of a new social media platform recently launched by the Facebook parent. In the October 30 letter, the UK company says that it owns the trademark on the name and that if Meta doesn’t stop using it in the United Kingdom within 30 days, the firm will seek an injunction from the court.
The UK company, Threads Software Limited, says it successfully registered the “Threads” trademark in 2012 for its intelligent messaging hub, which can efficiently store a business’ emails, tweets, and voice-over-internet protocol phone calls in a cloud-based database. It claims that almost 1,000 global organizations have licensed the Threads software and that sales are currently growing at 200% a year.
In addition to the messaging hub, the company offers a platform that can help businesses manage their email and telephone communication. It aims to simplify how companies handle their communication so that data is noticed and included in reports. It can also ensure that data quality is maintained even during employee turnover.
As for the company’s new social media platform, it launched in July and gained 100 million users in just five days. However, the number of users has since dwindled. Despite the slow start, the company has continued introducing new features to the app, including Instagram integration.
The company’s clash with the UK software firm over its name is a familiar story, as it follows similar incidents in the past. In 2019, for example, it paid an undisclosed sum to a small online bank called Current after the latter used a logo that looked too similar to its own.
Experts say that whether or not the UK firm has a case against Meta over its use of the Threads name will depend on what sort of business the latter is and how many people could need clarification on the two brands. If, for example, the company were a fashion brand that also uses the name Threads, it would be easier because there is little risk of customers confusing the fashion firm with a social media platform. But if the company is, in fact, a social-media platform that builds connections between its users, it could have a stronger claim.
