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UK software company wants Instagram to stop using ‘Threads’ name

Instagram Threads logo

Software company Threads Software Limited is asking Meta’s Instagram to stop using the name “Threads” in the UK, warning that they are willing to go to court if their request is not heeded within 30 days.  

“We want them to stop using the Threads name with immediate effect. If they do not, we will seek an injunction from the UK courts,” said Dr John Yardley, Managing Director of Threads Software Ltd.  

The UK software company claims that they conceived and trademarked Threads as a message hub in 2012. The service has been actively promoted worldwide since 2014. 

In 2018, the company made its first commercial sale in the USA, and has since licenced nearly 1,000 organisations worldwide with sales currently growing at 200% a year. 

The UK company said Meta’s lawyers made four offers to purchase the domain ‘threads.app’ from Threads Software Ltd since April 2023, but they declined every offer. The company said they made it clear to Meta’s Instagram that the domain was not for sale. 

In July 2023, Meta’s Instagram unveiled ‘threads’ social media platform and removed Threads Software Limited from its Facebook platform.  

Related: Meta’s Threads is a serious threat to Twitter, and Elon knows it (commsroom.co)

“Taking on a US$150 billion company is not an easy decision for us to make. We have invested 10 years in our platform, establishing a recognised brand in the name, Threads. Our business now faces a serious threat from one of the largest technology companies in the world,” Yardley said.  

“We recognise that this is a classic ‘David and Goliath’ battle with Meta. And whilst they may think they can use whatever name they want, that does not give them the right to use the Threads brand name,” he said.  

Meta has not issued a response as of this writing.

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Paulo Rizal
Paulo Rizal
Paulo Rizal is a content producer for Comms Room. He writes content around popular media, journalism, social media, and more.