Could this happen to your Twitter account after you amicably leave your job:
“The costs and resources invested by ON A WING AND A PRAYER PRODUCT GROUP into growing its followers, fans and general brand awareness through social media are substantial and are considered property of the Company. We intend to aggressively protect our customer lists and confidential information, intellectual property, trademark and brands. That’s why we are suing you for misappropriation of our customer list and other trade secrets (aka your Twitter followers). Please pay us $2.50 per follower per month of your unauthorized use.”
The first case to address whether a Twitter account is a corporate asset and how to value the account has been filed in federal court. Initial hearings are later this month.
It’s an important case because as more and more employees post material on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter — often on behalf of their companies — the social media account becomes increasingly more valuable to both employer and employee. The company gets an online voice and brand, and the employee makes often significant personal connections that can impact his career.
Please see full publication below for more information.