Lessons from PhoneDog: who owns your Twitter account?

Abstract

A row in the US over the ownership of a twitter account has underscored the need for companies to implement clear social media policies, say IP lawyers. Noah Kravitz used to work for mobile phone review website PhoneDog. While there, he set up a twitter account using the name Phonedog_Noah that attracted more than 17,000 followers. But when he left the company he fell out with his former bosses, including over who has the rights to the account. Now the row is heading to court after PhoneDog sued Kravitz for $2.50 for each follower of his Twitter account. Now the account is protected. The dispute has clear lessons for other businesses that are use websites such as Facebook and Twitter.