Instagram's Snapchat-like Bolt feature may face legal threat over its name

After a failed attempt at acquiring Snapchat and then building a Snapchat-inspired app, Facebook is now looking at Instagram’s popularity to attract users to a similar feature. Earlier this week, we came across screenshots that revealed a new photo sharing app called Bolt. However, 'Bolt' is already facing legal threat over its name even before stepping out into the market. Bolt is said to be a ‘one tap photo messaging service' and is highly speculated to be a Snapchat rival that will make use of Instagram's ubiquity. The problem is there already exists an app called Bolt and its makers aren't very happy about sharing the name with Facebook owned Instagram. In an official blog post, Bolt’s founder, Andrew Benton writes, "We've worked really hard since then building the Bolt brand and technology to where it is today. Please don't destroy all that effort. We have no intention of competing with you. " Unlike Instagram's Bolt, the Bolt app that has been existing since last year aims at replacing your mobile phone carrier's voice and SMS plan, so that you only need to pay them for data.

Did anyone else get this weird bolt notification on their Instagram earlier? pic.twitter.com/SBrLH7qTTK — areli i (@yo_areli) July 24, 2014

  Benton says that he has already filed for the patent and doesn't wish to embroil in a legal battle with Instagram. "We've been using the Bolt name in the mobile messaging market for a year, and technically we have to "police our mark", otherwise we risk losing it. We don't want a legal battle over this, and we think it's not too late for you to consider an alternate name before launch. I have a whole list of names we brainstormed last May that I'd be happy to share." The blog directly addresses Instagram. It further states, "It wasn't too long ago that you were the little guy. I know you haven't forgotten how hard it is to build something from nothing. And not just technology, but a brand and distinct identity for yourself. Imagine how it would have felt if Google or Apple or Facebook had launched a photo-sharing app called Instagram in 2011." That's a heartfelt plea and we hope Instagram and Facebook see reason in picking a different name.