The Fonz is suing Facebook.
Facebook has been hit with a major lawsuit, just as it rolled out a couple of important new features, affecting the majority of its one billion users.
“We are not discussing ongoing litigation, it’s a company policy,” said Maria Vonkerberg, legal counsel and Mark Zuckerberg’s second cousin.
The lawsuit was filed in the 9th Court Circuit in California, by 70’s epic actor, Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli, famous for his trademark ‘thumbs up’ gesture.
“My client is shocked to see Facebook abuse his trademark, established in 1974 through the ‘Happy Days’ show,” said Marcus Aurelius DeAngelis, a prominent Los Angeles lawyer.
“It’s clear as day to me, who is in violation here, Mr. Zuckerberg was born in 1984, when ‘Happy Days’ ended,” added DeAngelis. “We are seeking $2.5 billion dollars paid in cash”, DeAngelis said.
Facebook’s ‘Like‘ function indeed uses a graphic image matching very close the shape of Fonzarelli’s thumb; his trademark gesture generated millions for the syndicated TV channels.
It’s unclear at this point whether Facebook will decide to settle this obvious case of trademark infringement; meanwhile, Fonzie’s Facebook profile has been shut down without explanation.
I like this
Never related the fonz to the like, the things people sue for these days.
Thumbs up is a gesture that comes form the ancient Roman Empire, so Mr Winkler should return studying instead of filing useless lawsuits