The beta version of Scrabble by Mattel is now available to add to your Facebook profile.

Hasbro owns the rights to the game in North America, so no Facebook members in the US or Canada can access the application but UK-based members can, as Mattel owns the rights for the rest of the world.

Hasbro last year issued a cease and desist order to Scrabulous, an application on Facebook and a game available on a separate website, though it is still available online.

Both Hasbro and the Argawalla brothers, creators of Scrabulous, declined to comment when approached by Web User on the legal situation.

RealNetworks recently admitted to Web User that it was working with Hasbro and Mattel on an official online version of Scrabble.

Many Facebook members in the US have posted less than complimentary messages on the wall of the Scrabble by Mattel application's page on Facebook.

"How about you plan a little better before you launch and furthermore don't alienate your American market," one wrote.

However, some were more complimentary.

"I am seriously addicted to this application. I love it," wrote another.

The Argawalla brothers have recently launched a chess game, Chess Pro, on the social network.

Will you play Scrabble or stick with Scrabulous? Have your say at www.webuser.co.uk/forums.

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