Facebook throws the book at tiny Northbrook company over name

NORTHBROOK -- The two employees at Northbrook-based Teachbook.com probably don't think their Web site, which hasn't been officially launched yet, has much similarity to the social networking giant, Facebook.

But attorneys for Facebook apparently think so. They filed a trademark infringement lawsuit last week in federal court in San Jose, Calif., objecting to the "book" in Teachbook. Facebook, which has more than 500 million users, contends the "book" in its own name is highly distinctive.

Teachbook, which provides tools for teachers to manage their classrooms and share lesson plans, filed a trademark application in March 2009, and Facebook opposed the registration. Teachbook's managing director, Greg Shrader, said Wednesday he thought discussions with Facebook representatives were going well until he learned of the lawsuit.