PAUL CEGILA is claiming he owns 84% of Facebook, the social network founded by Mark Zuckerberg.

Cegila says he signed a contract with Zuckerberg for $1,000, and a 50% stake in the firm, in addition to “an additional 1% interest in the business for every day after Jan. 1 2004 until it was completed”. The contract was for web design and developing work.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the contract is for “the purchase and design of a suitable website for the project Seller [Mr. Zuckerberg] has already initiated that is designed to offer the students of Harvard university [sic] access to a wesite [sic] similar to a live functioning yearbook with the working title of ‘The Face Book.”"

The Journal also points out that Cegila’s claim, said to be worth $12bn – $22bn predates the formation of Facebook, and may relate to Zuckerberg’s previous project – Facemash.

A spokesperson for Facebook called the lawsuit ‘frivolous’.