Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, meet your Israeli
doppelganger: Mark Zuckerberg.
Israeli entrepreneur Rotem Guez says he has legally changed
his name to that of Facebook's chief executive, a gimmick
meant to persuade the social networking site to back down
from what he says are threats to take legal action against
him.
He's telling Facebook: "If you want to sue me, you're going
to have to sue Mark Zuckerberg."
He says a lawyer for Facebook pressed him this week to close
his online business Like Store, calling it illegal. Like
Store promises to enhance companies' online reputations by
offering Facebook users free content only accessible by
clicking "like" on the companies' profiles.
The Israeli acknowledges his company violates Facebook's
terms of use, but says many US companies offer similar
services.
Facebook declined to comment specifically on the name change,
but said it was going after those who violate the company's
terms as part of efforts to protect users.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.