Threads, Meta’s new Twitter-like app, has not only created a stir among users, but also a controversy involving one of the leading figures in the tech world, Elon Musk, founder and CEO of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX. Elon stated that Instagram’s Threads app is “cheating”. This was shown by him quoting news about Twitter’s plan to sue Meta on his Twitter account and adding scathing criticism to the company led by Mark Zuckerberg. “Competition is fine, cheating is not”. Which means “competition is fine, don’t cheat”. How come? Why would the Twitter owner suspect Threads of cheating? Check out the full chronology in the following article.
Overview of Threads
A new social media app, Threads, was officially launched by Meta on Thursday, (6/7/2023). This application is already available in several countries, including Indonesia. With Threads, Meta complements its social media business with a microblogging platform. Previously, Meta already had Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The latest quoting information from The Verge, Friday (7/7/2023), Mark Zuckerberg revealed that Threads has had more than 30 million registrations, the day after its release. Not only registering to Treads, these users also seem to be very active in uploading statuses to the social network. Meta’s internal data states that there were over 95 million posts and 190 million likes shared on Threads. All of this happened in just 24 hours after the Twitter competitor application went live. KH friends in Indonesia can now use the Threads application which is text-based. Users can share uploads in text, words, or sentences.
The Case of Twitter VS Threads
Threads is not the first text-based social media app to try to compete with Twitter, which has around 200 million users. There have been many similar applications before, such as Mastodon, Post, Truth Social, and T2. However, this is the first time Musk’s camp has reacted with a threat of prosecution, where on Wednesday (July 5), Twitter lawyer Alex Spiro has filed a lawsuit against Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. In a letter first revealed by Semafor, Twitter accused Threads of systematic, willful and unlawful theft of trade secrets and other intellectual property, through the recruitment of former Twitter employees. The lawsuit says Meta hired former Twitter employees who had improperly stored Twitter documents and electronic devices. Meta is also accused of deliberately involving former Twitter employees in developing Threads. “Twitter wants to strictly enforce intellectual property rights. We demand that Meta immediately stop using Twitter trade secrets or other highly confidential information,” said an excerpt from the letter, as quoted by CNN International, Thursday (6/7). On the other hand, Meta spokesman Andy Stone flatly denied the accusation. “No one on the Thread engineering team is a former Twitter employee. Absolutely not a thing.” Stone said via Threads.
Alleged Infringement of Intellectual Property Rights
In this case, Twitter suspects that Threads has violated Intellectual Property Rights. Where Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) include various types of legal rights that protect intellectual works produced by individuals or companies. Intellectual Property Rights infringement occurs when a person or other entity uses or copies the work without the permission or consent of the owner. Here are some examples of intellectual property rights infringement and its implementation in the alleged Twitter VS Threads case:
Theft of Trade Secrets
Trade secrets are confidential business information, such as product formulas, marketing strategies, or production processes. Trade secret infringement occurs when someone steals, leaks, or uses such confidential information without the owner’s permission. Twitter accused Threads of systematic, willful, and unlawful theft of trade secrets and other intellectual property. In the lawsuit filed by Twitter, it is stated that Meta hired a former Twitter employee who had improperly stored Twitter documents and electronic devices. This led to allegations that Threads used confidential information and data owned by Twitter without authorization.
Unauthorized Use of Intellectual Property
Intellectual property protects the assets and identity of a particular business or product. Infringement occurs when someone duplicates, distributes, or makes similar or identical use of those assets without authorization. In this case, Meta is also accused of using Twitter’s intellectual property, such as copyrighted features and designs, without proper authorization. If proven, this unauthorized use could constitute copyright or trademark infringement that protects Twitter’s work and business identity.
Recruitment of Former Twitter Employees
The lawsuit also mentions that Meta intentionally involved former Twitter employees in the development of Threads. This raises concerns that the confidential information and technical knowledge possessed by former twitter employees could be used to Meta’s advantage in developing the Threads application. If true, this could be considered a violation of confidentiality clauses or contractual terms that protect confidential company information. It is important to note that this case is still ongoing and claims of intellectual property infringement need to be verified and tested in court. The legal system will determine whether there was a true violation of intellectual property rights in this case, and whether any legal action should be taken as a result of the violation.
The Importance of Intellectual Property Registration
The Threads case and the related intellectual property rights infringement allegations illustrate the importance of intellectual property rights registration. Here are some reasons why registration of intellectual property rights is important in the context of this case:
Reinforcing Ownership Claims
By registering intellectual property rights such as copyrights or trademarks, the owner of the work or brand can strengthen his claim to the intellectual property. Registration provides clear and legally binding evidence of ownership, making it easier for owners to defend their rights in the event of infringement.
Stronger Legal Protection
Registration of intellectual property rights provides stronger legal protection against infringement. In the event of infringement as alleged in the Threads case, the owner of the intellectual property rights who has registered his work has a stronger legal basis to file a lawsuit and seek damages.
Preventing Others from Claiming the Same Work
By registering intellectual property rights, the owner can prevent others from claiming or using them without authorization. Registration provides written and public proof of legal ownership, reducing the risk of future disputes or lawsuits.
Facilitate Enforcement of Rights
Registration of intellectual property rights makes it easier to enforce rights. In the case of Threads, Twitter was able to use copyright or trademark registration as a basis to file a lawsuit against Meta and defend its claims. Without registration, rights enforcement can be more complicated and difficult.
Economic and Investment Value
Registration of intellectual property also provides significant economic value. In the case of Threads the alleged use of Twitter’s confidential information and intellectual property by Meta could have impacted the company’s reputation and economic value. By registering, owners can protect the value of their investment and have their work treated fairly and in accordance with the law.
KH Contact
This is the explanation about the alleged case that occurred between the two giant social media platforms, Twitter and Meta. This case brought public attention to the fierce competition between the two for the increasingly competitive social media market. Threads as a stone competitor has raised concerns for Twitter, mainly due to the similarity of features and user interfaces that the two platforms have.
READ ALSO: Wow, GoTo and Nadiem are sued for copyright up to Rp41.9 T!
It also reminds business people of the importance of protecting their intellectual property. Where the registration of intellectual property rights officially plays an important role in protecting the works, brands, and innovations produced by individuals or companies. Well, for KH Pals who are currently also running a business, don’t forget to immediately avoid plagiarism cases and protect your identity and business assets by registering intellectual property at Kontrak Hukum! As a digital legal platform, we can help you to register various business assets, including database copyright, computer program copyright, and other types of intellectual property. For ordering information that suits your business needs, please visit the KH Services – Intellectual Property page. If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to consult with us at Ask KH or via direct message (DM) to Instagram @kontrakhukum.
