UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE (USPTO)

OFFICE ACTION (OFFICIAL LETTER) ABOUT APPLICANT’S TRADEMARK APPLICATION

 

 

 

OFFICE ACTION

 

STRICT DEADLINE TO RESPOND TO THIS LETTER

 

INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION NO. 1118773

 

STRICT DEADLINE TO RESPOND TO THIS NOTIFICATION:  TO AVOID ABANDONMENT OF THE REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF PROTECTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION ABOVE, THE USPTO MUST RECEIVE A COMPLETE RESPONSE TO THIS REFUSAL WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THE “DATE ON WHICH THE NOTIFICATION WAS SENT TO WIPO (MAILING DATE)” LOCATED ON THE WIPO COVER LETTER ACCOMPANYING THIS NOTIFICATION.

 

The “Mailing Date” appearing on the WIPO cover letter may also be found through the USPTO’s Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system at http://tsdr.gov.uspto.report/.  Please enter the U.S. Application Serial Number for this application and select “Documents.”  The “Mailing Date” is the “Create/Mail Date” of the “IB-1rst Refusal Note.”

 

This is a PROVISIONAL FULL REFUSAL of the request for extension of protection of the mark in the above-referenced U.S. application.  See 15 U.S.C. §1141h(c).

 

WHO IS PERMITTED TO RESPOND TO THIS PROVISIONAL FULL REFUSAL:  Applicant may respond directly to this provisional refusal Office action if applicant is not represented by an authorized attorney.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.193(e)(2)(ii).  Otherwise, applicant’s authorized attorney must respond on applicant’s behalf.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.193(e)(2)(i).  However, the only attorneys who are authorized to sign responses and practice before the USPTO in trademark matters are as follows:

 

(1)  Attorneys in good standing with a bar of the highest court of any U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other federal territories and possessions of the United States.

 

(2)  Canadian agents/attorneys who represent applicants located in Canada and (a) are registered with the USPTO and in good standing as patent agents or (b) have been granted reciprocal recognition by the USPTO.

 

See 37 C.F.R. §§2.17(e), 2.62(b), 11.1, 11.5(b)(2), 11.14(a), (c); TMEP §§602, 712.03.

 

Foreign attorneys, other than authorized Canadian attorneys, are not permitted to represent applicants before the USPTO.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.17(e), 11.14(c), (e); TMEP §602.03-.03(b).  That is, foreign attorneys may not file written communications, authorize an amendment to an application, or submit legal arguments in response to a requirement or refusal, among other things.  See 37 C.F.R. §11.5(b)(2); TMEP §§602.03(c), 608.01.  If applicant is represented by such a foreign attorney, applicant must respond directly to this provisional refusal Office action.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.193(e)(2)(ii).

 

DESIGNATION OF DOMESTIC REPRESENTATIVE:  The USPTO encourages applicants who do not reside in the U.S. to designate a domestic representative upon whom notices or process may be served.  15 U.S.C. §§1051(e), 1141h(d); 37 C.F.R. §2.24(a)(1)-(2); see TMEP §610.  Such designations may be filed online at http://www.gov.uspto.report/trademarks/teas/index.jsp. 

 

THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PROVISIONALLY REFUSED AS FOLLOWS:

 

SUMMARY OF ISSUES that applicant must address:

 

• Likelihood of Confusion
• Prior Pending Applications
• Description of the Mark
•  Identification of Goods and Services

 

 

LIKELIHOOD OF CONFUSION

 

Registration of the applied-for mark is refused because of a likelihood of confusion with the marks in U.S. Registration Nos. 3331938, 3353811, 3020521, AND 2771088.  Trademark Act Section 2(d), 15 U.S.C. §1052(d); see TMEP §§1207.01 et seq.  See the enclosed registrations.

 

Trademark Act Section 2(d) bars registration of an applied-for mark that so resembles a registered mark that it is likely that a potential consumer would be confused or mistaken or deceived as to the source of the goods and/or services of the applicant and registrant.  See 15 U.S.C. §1052(d).  The court in In re E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 476 F.2d 1357, 177 USPQ 563 (C.C.P.A. 1973) listed the principal factors to be considered when determining whether there is a likelihood of confusion under Section 2(d).  See TMEP §1207.01.  However, not all of the factors are necessarily relevant or of equal weight, and any one factor may be dominant in a given case, depending upon the evidence of record.  In re Majestic Distilling Co., 315 F.3d 1311, 1315, 65 USPQ2d 1201, 1204 (Fed. Cir. 2003); see In re E. I. du Pont, 476 F.2d at 1361-62, 177 USPQ at 567.

 

In this case, the following factors are the most relevant:  similarity of the marks, similarity of the goods and/or services, and similarity of trade channels of the goods and/or services.  See In re Opus One, Inc., 60 USPQ2d 1812 (TTAB 2001); In re Dakin’s Miniatures Inc., 59 USPQ2d 1593 (TTAB 1999); In re Azteca Rest. Enters., Inc., 50 USPQ2d 1209 (TTAB 1999); TMEP §§1207.01 et seq.

 

Similarity of the Marks

 

The applicant has registered the mark LUXOR and design.  The registered marks are LUXOR, LUXOR ELECTRIQUE, LUXOR, and LUXOR.  Here, the dominant portion of all of the marks is the wording LUXOR. 

 

Although marks are compared in their entireties, one feature of a mark may be more significant or dominant in creating a commercial impression.  See In re Viterra Inc., 671 F.3d 1358, 1362, 101 USPQ2d 1905, 1908 (Fed. Cir. 2012); In re Nat’l Data Corp., 753 F.2d 1056, 1058, 224 USPQ 749, 751 (Fed. Cir. 1985); TMEP §1207.01(b)(viii), (c)(ii).  Disclaimed matter is typically less significant or less dominant when comparing marks.  See In re Dixie Rests., Inc., 105 F.3d 1405, 1407, 41 USPQ2d 1531, 1533-34 (Fed. Cir. 1997); In re Nat’l Data Corp., 753 F.2d 1056, 1060, 224 USPQ 749, 752 (Fed. Cir. 1985); TMEP §1207.01(b)(viii), (c)(ii).

 

Also, for a composite mark containing both words and a design, the word portion may be more likely to be impressed upon a purchaser’s memory and to be used when requesting the goods and/or services.  In re Dakin’s Miniatures, Inc., 59 USPQ2d 1593, 1596 (TTAB 1999); TMEP §1207.01(c)(ii); see In re Viterra Inc., 671 F.3d 1358, 1362, 101 USPQ2d 1905, 1908, 1911 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (citing CBS Inc. v. Morrow, 708 F. 2d 1579, 1581-82, 218 USPQ 198, 200 (Fed. Cir 1983)).  Thus, although such marks must be compared in their entireties, the word portion is often considered the dominant feature and is accorded greater weight in determining whether marks are confusingly similar, even where the word portion has been disclaimed.  In re Viterra Inc., 671 F.3d at 1366, 101 USPQ2d at 1911 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (citing Giant Food, Inc. v. Nation’s Foodservice, Inc., 710 F.2d 1565, 1570-71, 218 USPQ2d 390, 395 (Fed. Cir. 1983)). 

 

Similarity of the Goods and Services

 

The goods and services of the parties need not be identical or directly competitive to find a likelihood of confusion.  See Safety-Kleen Corp. v. Dresser Indus., Inc., 518 F.2d 1399, 1404, 186 USPQ 476, 480 (C.C.P.A. 1975); TMEP §1207.01(a)(i).  Rather, they need only be related in some manner, or the conditions surrounding their marketing are such that they would be encountered by the same purchasers under circumstances that would give rise to the mistaken belief that the goods and services come from a common source.  In re Total Quality Group, Inc., 51 USPQ2d 1474, 1476 (TTAB 1999); TMEP §1207.01(a)(i); see, e.g., On-line Careline Inc. v. Am. Online Inc., 229 F.3d 1080, 1086-87, 56 USPQ2d 1471, 1475-76 (Fed. Cir. 2000); In re Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc., 748 F.2d 1565, 1566-68, 223 USPQ 1289, 1290 (Fed. Cir. 1984).

 

U.S. Registration Numbers 3331938 and 3353811 – International Class 11

 

Here, all of the marks are for lighting products. 

 

U.S. Registration Number 3020521 -- International Class 9

 

Here, both marks are for computers. 

 

U.S. Registration Number 2771088

 

Here, both marks are for building materials. 

 

The fact that the goods of the parties differ is not controlling in determining likelihood of confusion.  The issue is not likelihood of confusion between particular goods, but likelihood of confusion as to the source or sponsorship of those goods.  In re Majestic Distilling Co., 315 F.3d 1311, 1316, 65 USPQ2d 1201, 1205 (Fed. Cir. 2003); In re Shell Oil Co., 992 F.2d 1204, 1208, 26 USPQ2d 1687, 1689 (Fed. Cir. 1993); TMEP §1207.01.

 

Also, where the marks of the respective parties are identical or virtually identical, the relationship between the relevant goods and/or services need not be as close to support a finding of likelihood of confusion.  See In re Shell Oil Co., 992 F.2d 1204, 1207, 26 USPQ2d 1687, 1689 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Davey Prods. Pty Ltd., 92 USPQ2d 1198, 1202 (TTAB 2009); In re Thor Tech, Inc., 90 USPQ2d 1634, 1636 (TTAB 2009); TMEP §1207.01(a).

 

Although the examining attorney has refused registration, the applicant may respond to the refusal to register by submitting evidence and arguments in support of registration. 

 

 

PRIOR PENDING APPLICATION

 

Additionally, the filing date of pending U.S. Application Serial No. 85-234821 precedes applicant’s filing date.  See attached referenced application.  If the mark in the referenced application registers, applicant’s mark may be refused registration under Trademark Act Section 2(d) because of a likelihood of confusion between the two marks.  See 15 U.S.C. §1052(d); 37 C.F.R. §2.83; TMEP §§1208 et seq.  Therefore, upon receipt of applicant’s response to this Office action, action on this application may be suspended pending final disposition of the earlier-filed referenced application.

 

In response to this Office action, applicant may present arguments in support of registration by addressing the issue of the potential conflict between applicant’s mark and the mark in the referenced application.  Applicant’s election not to submit arguments at this time in no way limits applicant’s right to address this issue later if a refusal under Section 2(d) issues.

 

 

ENTITY DESIGNATION AND CITIZENSHIP

 

Applicant must specify its form of business or type of legal entity and its national citizenship or U.S. state or foreign country of organization or incorporation.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(3)(i)-(ii); TMEP §§803.03, 803.04.  For example, an applicant can apply as an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a joint venture, or the foreign equivalent thereof.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(3); TMEP §§803.03 et seq. 

 

If applicant’s entity type is an individual, applicant must indicate his or her national citizenship for the record.  37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(3)(i); TMEP §803.04. 

 

If applicant’s entity type is a corporation, association, partnership, joint venture, or the foreign equivalent, applicant must set forth the U.S. state or foreign country under whose laws applicant is organized or incorporated.  37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(3)(ii); TMEP §§803.03(b)-(c), 803.04.  In addition, if applicant is a U.S. partnership or joint venture, applicant must list the names, legal entities and national citizenship or the U.S. state or foreign country of organization or incorporation of all the general partners or joint venturers.  37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(3)(ii)-(iv); TMEP §§803.03(b), 803.04.  For an association, applicant must also specify whether the association is incorporated or unincorporated.  TMEP §803.03(c).

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE MARK

 

Applicant must submit an accurate and concise description of the literal and design elements in the mark.  37 C.F.R. §2.37; see TMEP §§808.01, 808.02.  The following is suggested, if accurate:

 

The mark consists of three gold quadrilaterals and the word LUXOR written in gold.

 

 

IDENTIFICATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES

 

Potions of the identification of goods and services are indefinite.  The following is suggested, if accurate:

 

Industrial oils and greases; industrial lubricants; dust absorbing, wetting and binding compositions for use in (indicate purpose, e.g., road building, sweep, dust laying); fuels (including motor spirit) and lighting fuels; electrical energy; candles and wicks for candle lighting; all the aforesaid goods for the field of renewable energy in International Class 4.

 

Aluminum profiles, rotary metal structures for solar panels, solar modules (wrong class – must be deleted) and roof constructions and fixing material of metal, namely, (specify class 6 goods); materials of metal for scaffolds; metal racks (most storage racks are in IC 20 regardless of composition – must be deleted), metal poles, boundary markers, namely, metal stakes and masts of metal, metal building profiles and frames for solar panels and for construction purposes; all the aforesaid goods for the field of renewable energy in International Class 6.

 

Scientific instruments, namely, (specify) , nautical instruments, namely, (specify class 9 goods), surveying instruments; photographic instruments, namely, (specify class 9 goods), cinematographic machines and apparatus, optical apparatus, namely, (specify class 9 goods), weighing apparatus, measuring apparatus, namely, (specify class 9 goods), signaling apparatus, namely, (specify class 9 goods), checking (supervision) apparatus, namely, (specify class 9 goods), life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments, namely, (specify); apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling electricity, namely, (specify); photovoltaic systems, namely consisting of solar modules for power generation, inverters, electronic apparatus and instruments for controlling, regulating, accumulating and monitoring, namely, (specify class 9 goods); solar panel systems, namely consisting of solar modules, solar collectors (wrong class – IC 11 – must be deleted) and inverters for power generation; electronic apparatus and instruments for controlling, regulating, accumulating and monitoring of power generation, namely, (specify class 9 goods); blank magnetic data carriers, data processing apparatus and computers; all the aforesaid goods for the field of renewable energy in International Class 9.

Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating and water conduit purposes, namely, (specify); solar collectors and solar modules for the heat generation and systems consisting thereof, solar roof installations and open-air installations, namely, (specify class 11 goods) in International Class 11.

 

Non-metallic building materials, namely, (specify class 19 goods) (non-metallic); non-metallic pipes for building; non-metal architectural mouldings, namely, building profile ledges (non-metallic); asphalt, pitch and bitumen; non-metallic transportable buildings; monuments, not of metal, namely, (specify, stone, marble or concrete to be properly classified in International Class 19); non-metallic roofs incorporating solar cells in International Class 19.

 

Advertising services; business management; business administration; providing office functions; professional business and business organizational planning of systems and plants for regenerative energy generation; professional business and organization consultancy for systems and plants for regenerative energy generation; business project management, in particular for systems and plants in the field of renewable energy; arranging of contracts for others for the buying and selling of power supplies in International Class 35.

 

Building construction; repair, namely, repair services of individual components in the field of photovoltaic and solar thermal energy; installation services, namely, (specify); construction, cleaning, repair and maintenance of systems and plants in the field of renewable energy; scaffolding; roofing services in International Class 37.

 

Transport, namely, (specify, e.g., goods by boat); packaging of goods for transportation and storage of goods; arranging of travel tours (travel); transmission and distribution of electricity, thermal heat, gas or water; delivery of electricity, thermal heat, gas or water for supply to customers; delivery and distribution of energy in International Class 39.

 

Treatment of materials for (specify); generation of energy in International Class 40.

 

Scientific and technological services, namely, (specify) and research and design in the field of (specify); industrial analysis and research services, namely, (specify); design and development of computer hardware and software; technical analysis and preparation of technical certificates for assessment of projects and project partners; technical planning, namely, (specify), technical projects (unclear what service is being provided) and technical coordination of systems and plants in the field of renewable energy; quality testing of products for certification purposes; design planning and engineering of as well as development services for third parties in the field of renewable energy; engineering in International Class 42.

 

For assistance with identifying and classifying goods and/or services in trademark applications, please see the USPTO’s online searchable U.S. Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual at http://tess2.gov.uspto.report/netahtml/tidm.html.  See TMEP §1402.04.

 

An applicant may amend an identification of goods and services only to clarify or limit the goods and services; adding to or broadening the scope of the goods and/or services is not permitted.  37 C.F.R. §2.71(a); see TMEP §§1402.06 et seq., 1402.07 et seq.

 

In an application filed under Trademark Act Section 66(a), an applicant may not change the classification of goods and/or services from that assigned by the International Bureau in the corresponding international registration.  37 C.F.R. §2.85(d); TMEP §§1401.03(d), 1904.02(b).  Further, in a multiple-class Section 66(a) application, an applicant may not transfer goods and/or services from one existing international class to another.  37 C.F.R. §2.85(d); see TMEP §§1402.07(a), 1904.02(c). 

 

 

 

 

/Shaunia Carlyle/

Shaunia Carlyle

Law Office 110

(571)272-9374

shaunia.carlyle@uspto.gov

 

TO RESPOND TO THIS LETTER:  Go to http://www.gov.uspto.report/trademarks/teas/response_forms.jsp.  Please wait 48-72 hours from the issue/mailing date before using TEAS, to allow for necessary system updates of the application.  For technical assistance with online forms, e-mail TEAS@uspto.gov.  For questions about the Office action itself, please contact the assigned trademark examining attorney.  E-mail communications will not be accepted as responses to Office actions; therefore, do not respond to this Office action by e-mail.

 

All informal e-mail communications relevant to this application will be placed in the official application record.

 

WHO MUST SIGN THE RESPONSE:  It must be personally signed by an individual applicant or someone with legal authority to bind an applicant (i.e., a corporate officer, a general partner, all joint applicants).  If an applicant is represented by an attorney, the attorney must sign the response. 

 

PERIODICALLY CHECK THE STATUS OF THE APPLICATION:  To ensure that applicant does not miss crucial deadlines or official notices, check the status of the application every three to four months using Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval (TARR) at http://tarr.gov.uspto.report/.  Please keep a copy of the complete TARR screen.  If TARR shows no change for more than six months, call 1-800-786-9199.  For more information on checking status, see http://www.gov.uspto.report/trademarks/process/status/.

 

TO UPDATE CORRESPONDENCE/E-MAIL ADDRESS:  Use the TEAS form at http://www.gov.uspto.report/teas/eTEASpageE.htm.