Twitter’s attempt to trademark the word Tweet has been rejected.

As Twitter Bulletin mentioned a few months ago, Twitter submitted an application to the US patent and trademark office in order to claim the word, which describes the action of sending a 140 word message to followers.

It is claimed that the application didn’t go through due to three other firms- TweetMarks, Cotweet and Tweetphoto- all who also use the word and therefore may cause confusion.

However in a recent post on Twitter’s official blog, co-founder Biz Stone stressed that despite Twitter attempting to trademark use of the word, even if the trademark had been granted, they would not stop have stopped applications such as Tweetie and TweetDeck from using the word.

He added: “We have applied to trademark tweet because it is clearly attached to Twitter from a brand perspective but we have no intention of ‘going after’ the wonderful applications and services that use the word in their name when associated with Twitter… However, if we come across a confusing or damaging project, the recourse to act responsibly to protect both users and our brand is important”

Although this comes as a blow for the site, it’s not all bad news. Even without the trademark, the word Tweet has successfully made it’s way into the Associated Press’s style guide and into Australia’s Macquarie dictionary, as well as being globally connected to Twitter by users anyway.

Earlier this week over on the official Twitter blog, Biz Stone detailed how the company was moving towards adding true geolocation functionality into Twitter.

The announcement detailed how in the near future the Twitter API will allow developers to add longitude and latitude information to any tweet sent, essentially allowing your followers to exactly pin point you when ever you update. Of course Biz was keen to stress that this planned service, which offers similar functionality to Google Latitude, is strictly an opt-in extension to the existing Twitter website.

Since the announcement, the web has been a flurry with suggestions as to why this move is both good and bad. The various posts suggest a number of advantages such as finding people local to you with relevant interests, down to disadvantages such as harassment from local companies who know you are in the area and attempt to sell you things.

What are your thoughts on the annoucement, is this a service you would use, do you want people knowing your location, and what are your very own geolocation pro’s and con’s, be sure to let us know.

Over the last few days there has been mounting confusion over the legality of using the word “tweet” as Twitter took action against certain third parties who where using the term in their applications, but it seems now the issue has been clarified via Twitter’s own Biz Stone over on the official blog, and the company don’t have a big an issue with third parties using the term as first thought:

“We have applied to trademark Tweet because it is clearly attached to Twitter from a brand perspective but we have no intention of “going after” the wonderful applications and services that use the word in their name when associated with Twitter. In fact, we encourage the use of the word Tweet. However, if we come across a confusing or damaging project, the recourse to act responsibly to protect both users and our brand is important.”

So it’s pretty straightforward, if you use the term “tweet” in a negative, damaging way Twitter will not be pleased, but beyond that everything is sweet. Just don’t forget, Tweet™.

Ever wanted to see inside Twitter? Well now you can as Kara Swisher of Boom Town over at All Things Digital recently took a tour of the San Francisco based firm, she even took pie with her for the team to enjoy. The tour quickly takes you around the Twitter office, showing off their set up, including the kitchen, workstations, phonebox and more.

In addition to having a look around at the office, she also had chance to sit down with founders Evan Williams and Biz Stone, be sure to check out that video over on the site.

One of Twitter’s co-founders Biz Stone recently appeared on US talk show, The Colbert Report, hosted by Stephen Colbert. The interview was brief, but Biz mentioned that Twitter is hoping to experiment with potential revenue models this year. Check it out: