To: | Performance Food Group Company (mholloway@mcguirewoods.com) |
Subject: | TRADEMARK APPLICATION NO. 78920844 - MAGELLAN - N/A |
Sent: | 10/20/2006 12:54:22 PM |
Sent As: | ECOM114@USPTO.GOV |
Attachments: | Attachment - 1 Attachment - 2 Attachment - 3 Attachment - 4 Attachment - 5 Attachment - 6 Attachment - 7 |
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
SERIAL NO: 78/920844
APPLICANT: Performance Food Group Company
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CORRESPONDENT ADDRESS: |
RETURN ADDRESS: Commissioner for Trademarks P.O. Box 1451 Alexandria, VA 22313-1451
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MARK: MAGELLAN
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CORRESPONDENT’S REFERENCE/DOCKET NO: N/A
CORRESPONDENT EMAIL ADDRESS: |
Please provide in all correspondence:
1. Filing date, serial number, mark and applicant's name. 2. Date of this Office Action. 3. Examining Attorney's name and Law Office number. 4. Your telephone number and e-mail address.
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MAILING/E-MAILING DATE INFORMATION: If the mailing or e-mailing date of this Office action does not appear above, this information can be obtained by visiting the USPTO website at http://tarr.gov.uspto.report/, inserting the application serial number, and viewing the prosecution history for the mailing date of the most recently issued Office communication.
Serial Number 78/920844
The assigned trademark examining attorney has reviewed the referenced application and has determined the following:
Trademark Act Section 2(d) Refusal to Register
Registration of the proposed mark is refused because of a likelihood of confusion with the marks in U.S. Registration Nos. 2226523 and 2226545. Trademark Act Section 2(d), 15 U.S.C. §1052(d); TMEP §§1207.01 et seq. See the enclosed registrations.
Taking into account the relevant Du Pont factors, a likelihood of confusion determination in this case involves a two-part analysis. First, the marks are compared for similarities in appearance, sound, connotation and commercial impression. In re E .I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 476 F.2d 1357, 177 USPQ 563 (C.C.P.A. 1973). Second, the goods or services are compared to determine whether they are similar or related or whether the activities surrounding their marketing are such that confusion as to origin is likely. In re National Novice Hockey League, Inc., 222 USPQ 638 (TTAB 1984); In re August Storck KG, 218 USPQ 823 (TTAB 1983); In re Int’l Tel. and Tel. Corp., 197 USPQ 910 (TTAB 1978); Guardian Prods. Co., v. Scott Paper Co., 200 USPQ 738 (TTAB 1978); TMEP §§1207.01 et seq.
COMPARISON OF THE MARKS
The applicant’s mark is MAGELLAN. The mark in U.S. Registration No. 2226523 is MAGELLAN’S WRAPS. The mark in U.S. Registration No. 2226545 is MAGELLAN’S WRAPS and design. The marks are compared for similarities in sound, appearance, meaning or connotation. In re E .I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 476 F.2d 1357, 177 USPQ 563 (C.C.P.A. 1973). Similarity in any one of these elements may be sufficient to find a likelihood of confusion. In re White Swan Ltd., 8 USPQ2d 1534, 1536 (TTAB 1988); In re Lamson Oil Co., 6 USPQ2d 1041, 1043 (TTAB 1987); In re Mack, 197 USPQ 755 (TTAB 1977); TMEP §1207.01(b).
The marks are similar in sound, appearance and meaning because the marks all use the term MAGELLAN. The use of the term WRAPS and the design elements in the registered marks does not obviate the similarities in the marks based on the common use of the term MAGELLAN. When applicant’s mark is compared to a registered mark, “the points of similarity are of greater importance than the points of difference.” Esso Standard Oil Co. v. Sun Oil Co., 229 F.2d 37, 40, 108 USPQ 161 (D.C. Cir. 1956) (internal citation omitted). In this case, the point of similarity based on the common use of the term MAGELLAN is greater than the points of differences between the marks.
COMPARISON OF THE GOODS AND SERVICES
The applicant’s goods are imported meats, processed foods, oils, imported staple foods, vinegar and spices, desserts imported fresh and raw fruits, vegetables, herbs, and grains. The services in the cited registrations are restaurant services. Food products and food-related services have been considered related goods and services under Section 2(d). In re H. J. Seiler Co., 289 F.2d 674, 129 USPQ 347 (C.C.P.A. 1961) (likelihood of confusion between SEILER'S catering services and SEILER'S smoked and cured meats); In re Opus One Inc., 60 USPQ2d 1812 (TTAB 2001) (likelihood of confusion between OPUS ONE for restaurant services and the identical mark for wine); In re Comexa Ltda., 60 USPQ2d 1118 ( TTAB 2001) (likelihood of confusion between AMAZON for restaurant services and AMAZON and design for chili sauce and pepper sauce); In re Azteca Restaurant Enterprises, Inc., 50 USPQ2d 1209 (TTAB 1999) (AZTECA MEXICAN RESTAURANT for restaurant services held likely to be confused with AZTECA for Mexican food products); In re Golden Griddle Pancake House Ltd., 17 USPQ2d 1074 (TTAB 1990) (GOLDEN GRIDDLE PANCAKE HOUSE for restaurant services held likely to be confused with GOLDEN GRIDDLE for table syrup); In re Mucky Duck Mustard Co. Inc., 6 USPQ2d 1467 (TTAB 1988) (likelihood of confusion between MUCKY DUCK with duck design used on mustard and MUCKY DUCK with duck design used on restaurant services); In re Appetito Provisions Co. Inc., 3 USPQ2d 1553 (TTAB 1987) (likelihood of confusion between APPETITO and design used on Italian sausage and A APPETITO'S with sandwich design used on restaurant services); In re Best Western Family Steak House, Inc., 222 USPQ 827 (TTAB 1984) (likelihood of confusion between BEEFMASTER used on restaurant services and BEEF MASTER used on frankfurters and bologna); Roush Bakery Prods. Co., Inc. v. Ridlen, 190 USPQ 445 (TTAB 1976) (likelihood of confusion between HILLBILLY and design used on bread and HILLBILLY RESTAURANT used on restaurant services); In re Pick-N-Pay Supermarkets, Inc., 185 USPQ 172 (TTAB 1974) (likelihood of confusion between PICK-N-PAY used on grocery items and supermarket services and PIK-N-PAY used on cafeteria services). Thus, in light of the applicant’s goods as currently identified and the restaurant services identified in the registration, the applicant’s goods and the registrant’s services are related.
Couple the similarity in commercial impression along with the related nature of the goods and services and a consumer encountering both marks may wrongly assume that the goods and services are derived from a common commercial source.
Although the trademark examining attorney has refused registration, applicant may respond to the refusal to register by submitting evidence and arguments in support of registration.
Applicant should note the following additional ground for refusal.
THIS REFUSAL APPLIES TO CLASS(ES) 31 ONLY
Registration is refused because the proposed mark is a varietal name for the identified goods and as such, does not function as a trademark. Trademark Act Sections 1, 2 and 45; 15 U.S.C. §§1051, 1052 and 1127; TMEP §1202.12. See attached evidence which shows that Magellan is the varietal name for soybeans, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, peas, melons, wheat and sunflowers.
The applicant’s mark is Magellan for imported fresh and raw fruits, vegetables, herbs, and grains. The attached evidence indicates that the term is a varietals name for fruits, vegetables, and grains. Varietal (or cultivar) names are generic designations and cannot be registered as trademarks. See In re Delta & Pine Land Co., 26 USPQ2d 1157, 1159 n.4 (TTAB 1993); In re Hilltop Orchards & Nurseries, Inc., 206 USPQ 1034 (TTAB 1979); In re Farmer Seed & Nursery Co., 137 USPQ 231 (TTAB 1963); In re Cohn Bodger & Sons Co., 122 USPQ 345 (TTAB 1959); Dixie Rose Nursery v. Coe, Comm’r Pats., 55 USPQ 315 (D.C. App. 1942), cert. denied 318 U.S. 782 (1943). Thus, the applicant’s mark is generic for the applicant’s goods which are broad enough to include these specific fruits, vegetables and grains.
Applicant must provide the following information to permit proper examination of the proposed mark. Specifically, applicant must indicate whether Magellan has ever been used as a varietal name and whether a plant patent exists under such name. 37 C.F.R. §2.61(b); TMEP §1202.12.
If applicant chooses to respond to the refusal(s) to register, then applicant must also respond to the following requirement(s).
Information regarding pending Application Serial No. 76123680 is enclosed. The filing date of the referenced application precedes applicant’s filing date. There may be a likelihood of confusion between the two marks under Trademark Act Section 2(d), 15 U.S.C. §1052(d). If the referenced application registers, registration may be refused in this case under Section 2(d). 37 C.F.R. §2.83; TMEP §§1208 et seq. Therefore, upon entry of a response to this Office action, action on this case may be suspended pending final disposition of the earlier-filed application.
If applicant believes there is no potential conflict between this application and the earlier-filed application, then applicant may present arguments relevant to the issue in a response to this Office action. The election not to submit arguments at this time in no way limits applicant’s right to address this issue at a later point.
Requirement(s)
Upon receipt of applicant’s response resolving the following requirement(s), action on this application will be suspended pending the disposition of Application Serial No(s). 76123680. 37 C.F.R. §2.83(c); TMEP §§716.02(c) and 1208.02(c).
With respect to International Class 29, the wording “processed foods, and oils” in the identification of goods needs clarification because the exact nature of the processed foods and oils are not indicated with enough specificity. Applicant must amend the identification of goods to specify the common commercial or generic name for the goods. If there is no common commercial or generic name for the product, then applicant must describe the product and intended consumer as well as its main purpose and intended uses. TMEP §1402.01.
With respect to International Class 30, the wording “imported staple foods,” and “desserts” in the identification of goods needs clarification because the exact nature of the processed foods and oils are not indicated with enough specificity. Applicant must amend the identification of goods to specify the common commercial or generic name for the goods. If there is no common commercial or generic name for the product, then applicant must describe the product and intended consumer as well as its main purpose and intended uses. TMEP §1402.01.
For assistance with identifying and classifying goods and/or services in trademark applications, please see the online searchable Manual of Acceptable Identifications of Goods and Services at http://tess2.gov.uspto.report/netahtml/tidm.html.
Applicant may adopt the following identification of goods, if accurate:
Imported meats, processed foods, namely, food package combinations consisting primarily of cheese, meat and/or processed fruit, processed fruits and vegetables, edible oils, vegetable oils, olive oils, and cooking oil, International Class 29; and/or
Imported staple foods, namely, packaged meals consisting primarily of pasta or rice, sandwiches, vinegar and spices, bakery desserts, desserts, namely, dessert mousse, dessert pudding and dessert soufflés, International Class 30; and/or
Imported fresh and raw fruits, vegetables, herbs, and grains, International Class 31.
Please note that, while the identification of goods may be amended to clarify or limit the goods, adding to the goods or broadening the scope of the goods is not permitted. 37 C.F.R. §2.71(a); TMEP §1402.06. Therefore, applicant may not amend the identification to include goods that are not within the scope of the goods set forth in the present identification.
If applicant prosecutes this application as a combined, or multiple-class application, then applicant must comply with each of the following for those goods and/or services based on an intent to use the mark in commerce under Trademark Act Section 1(b):
(1) Applicant must list the goods and/or services by international class with the classes listed in ascending numerical order. TMEP § 1403.01; and
(2) Applicant must submit a filing fee for each international class of goods and/or services not covered by the fee already paid (current fee information should be confirmed at http://www.uspto.gov). 37 C.F.R. §2.86(a)(2); TMEP §§810 and 1403.01.
The applicant has paid for three classes.
/Brendan D. McCauley/
Brendan D. McCauley
Law Office 114
571-272-9459
HOW TO RESPOND TO THIS OFFICE ACTION:
STATUS OF APPLICATION: To check the status of your application, visit the Office’s Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval (TARR) system at http://tarr.uspto.gov.
VIEW APPLICATION DOCUMENTS ONLINE: Documents in the electronic file for pending applications can be viewed and downloaded online at http://portal.gov.uspto.report/external/portal/tow.
GENERAL TRADEMARK INFORMATION: For general information about trademarks, please visit the Office’s website at http://www.gov.uspto.report/main/trademarks.htm
FOR INQUIRIES OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS OFFICE ACTION, PLEASE CONTACT THE ASSIGNED EXAMINING ATTORNEY SPECIFIED ABOVE.
GRIN
(Germplasm Resources Information Network)
The Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) web server provides germplasm information about plants, animals, microbes and invertebrates within the National Genetic Resources Program (NGRP)of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS). This web server is maintained by the Database Management Unit (DBMU) of the National Germplasm Resources Laboratory (NGRL), Plant Sciences Institute (PSI), Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Cite as: USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland.
Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov
Number of Pages: 1
Search string: magellan
Include inactive and unavailable accessions
Limit to first 1000 records
Glycine max (L.) Merr. FABACEAE
Cultivar name: MAGELLAN.
Developed in: Kansas, United States
Maintained by the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation. NPGS received: 18-Sep-1997. PI assigned:
1996. Inventory volume: 205. Life form: Annual. Improvement status: Cultivar. Reproductive uniformity: Pureline. Form received: Seed.
MAGELLAN
Type: CULTIVAR.
Crop Science Registration
Identifier: CV-379 Crop: SOYBEAN. Date issued: 01-May-1998.
Reference: W.T. Schapaugh, Jr., P.A. Owen, K.M. Clark, D.A. Sleper. 1998. Magellan Soybean. Crop Sci 38(3):892.
U.S. Plant Variety Protection
PVP 9600319 Crop: SOYBEAN. Date issued: 27-Oct-2000. Assignee: University of Missouri. Current
status
This accession is protected by Intellectual Property Rights, it should be requested from the donor/developer.
Group IV maturity, relative maturity 4.3. Indeterminate growth habit, flowers purple, pubescenc gray, and pods tan at maturity. Seeds yellow, hila buff, seed coat luster shiny, and weight approx. 150 mg seed-1. Susceptible to cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines), brown stem rot (Phialophora gergata), phytophthora rot (Phytophthora sojae), and iron chlorosis.
UPOV Plant Variety database
Database Coverage:
The main database on the UPOV-ROM disc is the database of information on plant
varieties of the UPOV member States and of two organizations (CPVO and OECD). It
covers mainly information on plant variety protection and national listing of varieties for
marketing. The data of the UPOV member States are supplied by their competent
national authorities which are also responsible for the correctness of the information
submitted.
INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR THE PROTECTION OF NEW VARIETIES OF PLANTS
34, chemin des Colombettes - CH-1211 Genève 20 - % (+41-22) 338 91 11 - Fax: (+41-22) 733 03 36
E-mail: upov.mail@wipo.int - Internet: http://www.upov.int
Search Strategies: (see separate file)
Total pages: 5
COUNTRY/AUTHORITY : CZ
IDENTIFIER : NLI
UPOV CODE : BRASS_OLE_GBB
LATIN NAME : Brassica oleracea L. convar. botrytis (L.) Alef. var. botrytis (broccoli, cauliflower)
DENOMINATION/proposed : 1999.12.29 Magellan
DENOMINATION/published : 2000.03.30 Magellan
DENOMINATION/accepted : 2002.02.06 Magellan
BREEDER'S REFR. : SG 4179
APPL./FILING NUMB. : 5582
APPL./FILING DATE : 1999.12.29
DATE PUBL. APPL./FILING : 2000.03.30
GRANT/REG. NUMB. : 4895
DATE PUBL. GRANT/REG. : 2002.03.30
GRANT/REG. DATE : 2002.02.21
EXPIRATION CALC. : 2012.02.21
APPLICANT : Syngenta Seeds B.V. (NL)
MAINTAINER : Syngenta Seeds B.V. (NL)
OTHER PARTIES : SAGA SEED, spol. s r.o. (CZ) (AGT)
COUNTRY/AUTHORITY : CZ
IDENTIFIER : NLI
UPOV CODE : ZEAAA_MAY
LATIN NAME : Zea mays L. (type of corn)
DENOMINATION/proposed : 1994.02.14 Magellan
DENOMINATION/accepted : 1997.03.05 Magellan
BREEDER'S REFR. : NX-311
APPL./FILING NUMB. : 2130
APPL./FILING DATE : 1994.02.14
GRANT/REG. NUMB. : 3399
GRANT/REG. DATE : 1997.03.20
EXPIRATION CALC. : 2007.03.20
APPLICANT : Syngenta Seeds S.A.S. (FR)
MAINTAINER : Syngenta Seeds S.A.S. (FR)
OTHER PARTIES : Syngenta Czech s.r.o. (CZ) (AGT)
COUNTRY/AUTHORITY : DE
IDENTIFIER : NLI WD 01335
LATIN NAME : Lolium perenne L. (rye grass)
COMMON NAME : Deutsches Weidelgras
DENOMINATION/proposed : 2005.11.09 Magellan
BREEDER'S REFR. : ADV Lp 7329
APPL./FILING NUMB. : WD 01335
APPL./FILING DATE : 2002.12.30
APPLICANT : ADVANTA SEEDS
Advanta Seeds B.V.
BREEDER : ADVANTA SEEDS
Advanta Seeds B.V.
OTHER APPLICATIONS : GB NLI 2002.12.13 ADV Lp 7329
NOTE : Open pollinated variety
COUNTRY/AUTHORITY : DK
IDENTIFIER : PBR 19466
UPOV CODE : PISUM_SAT
LATIN NAME : PISUM SATIVUM L.
COMMON NAME : PEA
: AERT
DENOMINATION/proposed : 2001.01.26 MAGELLAN
BREEDER'S REFR. : MH 97-5
APPL./FILING NUMB. : 19466
APPL./FILING DATE : 2001.01.26
DATE PUBL. APPL./FILING : 2001.04.15
EXPIRATION ACTUAL : 2001.02.02 (WDR)
APPLICANT : ADRIEN MOMONT ET FILS
BREEDER : ADRIEN MOMONT ET FILS
MAINTAINER : ADRIEN MOMONT ET FILS
OTHER PARTIES : PAJBJERG A/S (AGT)
COUNTRY/AUTHORITY : FR
IDENTIFIER : NLI 3000640
UPOV CODE : CUCUM_MEL
LATIN NAME : Cucumis melo L.
COMMON NAME : Melon
DENOMINATION/proposed : 1999.09.28 Magellan
DENOMINATION/published : 1999.10.10 Magellan
DENOMINATION/accepted : 2000.01.10 Magellan
BREEDER'S REFR. : MC 3932
APPL./FILING NUMB. : 1003627
APPL./FILING DATE : 1999.09.09
GRANT/REG. NUMB. : 1003627
GRANT/REG. DATE : 2001.01.01
APPLICANT : Novartis Seeds SA (FR)
BREEDER : Novartis Seeds BV (NL)
MAINTAINER : Novartis Seeds BV (NL)
: Syngenta Seeds BV (NL)
COUNTRY/AUTHORITY : FR
IDENTIFIER : PBR 0141079
UPOV CODE : TRITI_AES
LATIN NAME : Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori et Paol.
COMMON NAME : BLE TENDRE (WHEAT)
DENOMINATION/proposed : 1994.02.23 MAGELLAN
DENOMINATION/published : 1992.07.10 MAGELLAN
DENOMINATION/accepted : 1992.10.10 MAGELLAN
BREEDER'S REFR. : MH 25.69
APPL./FILING NUMB. : 11673
APPL./FILING DATE : 1992.06.15
DATE PUBL. APPL./FILING : 1992.07.10
GRANT/REG. NUMB. : 7215
DATE PUBL. GRANT/REG. : 1995.03.10
GRANT/REG. DATE : 1994.02.23
EXPIRATION ACTUAL : 1995.02.24 (SUR)
APPLICANT : Adrien Momont & Fils SCA (FR)
BREEDER : Adrien Momont & Fils SCA (FR)
TITLE HOLDER : Adrien Momont & Fils SCA (FR)
COUNTRY/AUTHORITY : HU
IDENTIFIER : NLI 1411 005183
LATIN NAME : Helianthus annuus L.
COMMON NAME : napraforgo (sunflower)
DENOMINATION/proposed : 1997.01.29 Magellan
APPL./FILING NUMB. : 29/97
APPL./FILING DATE : 1997.01.29
APPLICANT : Gabonatermesztesi Kutato Kht.,
BREEDER : Gabonatermesztesi Kutato Kht.,
: Dekalb Genetics Corporation
COUNTRY/AUTHORITY : NZ
IDENTIFIER : PBR MAN014
LATIN NAME : Leptospermum J.R. Forst. & G. Forst.
COMMON NAME : Manuka/Tea Tree
: Manuka/Tea Tree
DENOMINATION/proposed : 1999.10.18 Magellan
DENOMINATION/published : 2000.01.14 Magellan
DENOMINATION/accepted : 2001.01.08 Magellan
BREEDER'S REFR. : Magellan
APPL./FILING NUMB. : MAN014
APPL./FILING DATE : 1999.10.18
DATE PUBL. APPL./FILING : 2000.01.14
GRANT/REG. NUMB. : 1757
DATE PUBL. GRANT/REG. : 2001.04.14
GRANT/REG. DATE : 2001.01.08
EXPIRATION CALC. : 2024.01.08
APPLICANT : New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research Ltd
BREEDER : New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research Ltd
TITLE HOLDER : New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research Ltd
OTHER PARTIES : Quality Growers N.Z. Inc. (AGT)
COUNTRY/AUTHORITY : QM
IDENTIFIER : ZZZ CA0000024792
LATIN NAME : Brassica napus L. var. oleifera
COMMON NAME : Swede Rape Incl. Hungry Gap Kale
: Colza de printemps, Colza d'hiver
DENOMINATION/accepted : Magellan
MAINTAINER : Cargill Specialty Canola Oils
COUNTRY/AUTHORITY : US
IDENTIFIER : PBR 200400159
LATIN NAME : Festuca arundinacea Schreber
COMMON NAME : FESCUE, TALL
DENOMINATION/proposed : 2004.03.26 Magellan
DENOMINATION/published : 2004.09.26 Magellan
BREEDER'S REFR. : OD-4
APPL./FILING NUMB. : 200400159
APPL./FILING DATE : 2004.03.26
DATE PUBL. APPL./FILING : 2004.09.26
APPLICANT : Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
BREEDER : Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
COUNTRY/AUTHORITY : US
IDENTIFIER : PBR 9600319
LATIN NAME : Glycine max (L.) Merr.
COMMON NAME : SOYBEAN
DENOMINATION/proposed : 1996.07.23 Magellan
DENOMINATION/published : 1997.01.23 Magellan
DENOMINATION/accepted : 2000.10.27 Magellan
BREEDER'S REFR. : K1207
APPL./FILING NUMB. : 9600319
APPL./FILING DATE : 1996.07.23
DATE PUBL. APPL./FILING : 1997.01.23
GRANT/REG. NUMB. : 9600319
DATE PUBL. GRANT/REG. : 2000.11.27
GRANT/REG. DATE : 2000.10.27
EXPIRATION CALC. : 2020.10.27
APPLICANT : The Curators of the University of Missouri
BREEDER : The Curators of the University of Missouri
TITLE HOLDER : The Curators of the University of Missouri