Facebook Now Controls FacebookOfSex Domain

OAKLAND, Calif. — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit between Facebook and FriendFinder Networks Inc. over infringement claims arising from FriendFinder's operation of FacebookOfSex.com.

U.S. District Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong last month ordered claims and counterclaims dismissed as both parties forge a settlement agreement over use of the site, which is now registered to Facebook.

Other terms of the settlement have not been released.

In the suit, Facebook said that FriendFinder's Traffic Cat site, FacebookOfSex.com, was too similar to its own trademarked name.

Facebook claimed FacebookOfSex.com provides nearly identical user services as its social network, "but unlike Facebook, defendants permit and indeed encourage the display and posting of pornographic content."

"Upon accessing the FacebookOfSex.com site, a visitor immediately encounters highly graphic and sexually explicit images and videos," the suit said.

Facebook further claimed that FriendFinder's launch of the site was a "calculated scheme to capitalize on the fame of Facebook's marks," particularly because they spread affiliate advertising material, including banner ads that drive traffic to FriendFinder sites.

But FriendFinder, according to counterclaims, said it had problems with Facebook's use of the term "friend finder," which it also has trademarks for.

"[FriendFinder and its subsidiaries, including Traffic Cat and Various Inc.] have tried to use the purported 'FriendFinder' mark as leverage in negotiations, asserting that Facebook must address [FriendFinder's] concerns before they will address Facebook's trademark claims," Facebook attorneys said.

"Facebook's use of 'friend finder; amounts to descriptive fair use and does not infringe Various' purported trademark rights in the 'FriendFinder' term."

With the dismissal, Armstrong ordered that both parties bear their own attorney and court costs and said that the court will retain jurisdiction over the dispute for purposes of enforcing the settlement agreement. 

The suit included claims of trademark dilution and cybersquatting, among 11 charges. Facebook was seeking a restraining order over the site, revenue from the site and actual and punitive damages.

FriendFinder attorney Kristin Holland and Facebook counsel Jeffrey Norberg were not immediately available for comment to XBIZ.

Copyright © 2025 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

PASS to Relaunch Performer Subsidy Fund

PASS has announced that it will relaunch the Performer Subsidy Fund (PSF) to cover sexually transmitted infection (STI) test panel costs for up to 10 people each month.

Pineapple Support Taps Austin Ponce as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has named Austin Ponce as its newest brand ambassador.

Taylor Vixxen Stars in New DezyRed Interactive VR Game

Taylor Vixxen stars in an interactive VR game from DezyRed.

XBIZ Amsterdam's Jakarta Hotel Sold Out, Additional Hotels Announced

Guest rooms at XBIZ Amsterdam’s exclusive conference venue, Jakarta Hotel, are now completely sold out.

X3 Expo Unveils 2026 All-Stars, Show Dates Set for Jan. 16-17

X3 Expo returns to the historic Hollywood Palladium on January 16–17, bringing together fans, creators and industry insiders for North America’s largest assembly of adult entertainment stars, alongside a dazzling lineup of attractions spotlighting the cutting edge of modern media and pleasure tech.

Trump Administration Issues Executive Order Against 'Debanking'

The White House on Thursday issued an executive order limiting financial institutions’ ability to restrict access to financial services for people or groups involved in lawful industries, a longtime goal of adult industry advocates and stakeholders.

Go.cam Launches Free Age Verification Solution, Anti-Fraud Features

Go.cam has announced that its age verification solution is now free with updated anti-fraud and identity protection features.

Florida AG Sues EU-Based Adult Companies for Failing to Age-Verify Users

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit Monday with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida against five EU-based adult companies for allegedly failing to require age verification before allowing access to adult content.

SkyPrivate Launches 'Telegram Pay-Per-Minute' Feature

SkyPrivate has launched a new pay-per-minute (PPM) private show option on Telegram.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Money and Mental Health' Online Event

Pineapple Support is hosting a free, online event to help performers balance financial wellbeing with mental health, Aug. 18-19.

Show More