hi faresh,
I think because “with friends” is a common phrase can’t be patent.
Even Microsoft have to patent “Microsoft Windows” and not “Windows” because it’s a common word and can’t be patented.
Anyway I will stay away from that kind of thing because Zynga is a top developer and I’m sure Google will ban you first in case of issue.
Actually, it does not matter if they can patent it or not… they just need to have lots of $$$ to be able to take it to court… and you don’t have the $$$ to protect your own rights in a US court.
Welcome to America… land of the free (if you have the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$)