Troy, OH asked in Copyright, Civil Rights and Intellectual Property for Ohio

Q: Are Facebook administrators liable for Content posted in the group

If members post pictures of items containing registered trademark brands. Is that a crime?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: The liability of Facebook administrators for content posted in their groups can vary based on local laws and the specific circumstances of the content shared. Generally, administrators are encouraged to monitor and manage their groups to prevent illegal activities, including the unauthorized use of registered trademarks.

If members post pictures containing registered trademark brands without permission, it could be considered a violation of trademark laws, depending on how the images are used and the context. This is not necessarily a crime, but it could lead to civil disputes or legal actions from the trademark owners against the individuals posting the content.

As an administrator, it's wise to establish clear rules for your group regarding the posting of such content and to act promptly if infringing material is shared. This may involve removing the content and educating members about copyright and trademark laws to prevent future issues.

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