Offc Action Outgoing

TO AVOID ABANDONMENT OF APPLICANT’S TRADEMARK APPLICATION, THE USPTO MUST RECEIVE APPLICANT’S COMPLETE RESPONSE TO THIS LETTER WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THE ISSUE/MAILING DATE BELOW.

ISSUE/MAILING DATE:

The referenced application has been reviewed by the assigned trademark examining attorney. Applicant must respond timely and completely to the issue(s) below. 15 U.S.C. §1062(b); 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(a), 2.65(a); TMEP §§711, 718.03.

Section 2(d) Refusal

THIS REFUSAL APPLIES ONLY TO THE GOODS SPECIFIED THEREIN

Registration of the applied-for mark is refused because of a likelihood of confusion with the marks in U.S. Registration Nos. 0717876, 0981603, 3044557, 3052093, 3107989 and 3902416. Trademark Act Section 2(d), 15 U.S.C. §1052(d); see 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. See In re E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 476 F.2d 1357, 1361-62, 177 USPQ 563, 567 (C.C.P.A. 1973); In re 1st USA Realty Prof’ls Inc., 84 USPQ2d 1581, 1584 (TTAB 2007); see also In re Dixie Rests. Inc., 105 F.3d 1405, 1406-07, 41 USPQ2d 1531, 1533 (Fed. Cir. 1997). The marks are compared for similarities in their appearance, sound, connotation and commercial impression. TMEP §§1207.01, 1207.01(b). The goods and/or services are compared to determine whether they are similar or commercially related or travel in the same trade channels. See Herbko Int’l, Inc. v. Kappa Books, Inc., 308 F.3d 1156, 1164-65, 64 USPQ2d 1375, 1380 (Fed. Cir. 2002); Han Beauty, Inc. v. Alberto-Culver Co., 236 F.3d 1333, 1336, 57 USPQ2d 1557, 1559 (Fed. Cir. 2001); TMEP §§1207.01, 1207.01(a)(vi).

In a likelihood of confusion determination, the marks are compared for similarities in their appearance, sound, meaning or connotation and commercial impression. In re E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 476 F.2d 1357, 1361, 177 USPQ 563, 567 (C.C.P.A. 1973); TMEP §1207.01(b). Similarity in any one of these elements may be sufficient to find a likelihood of confusion. In re White Swan Ltd., 8 USPQ2d 1534, 1535 (TTAB 1988); In re Lamson Oil Co., 6 USPQ2d 1041, 1043 (TTAB 1987); see TMEP §1207.01(b).

Applicant’s mark is AQUARIUS, while the registered marks are AQUARIUS (U.S. Registration Nos. 0717876, 0981603, 3107989 and 3902416), AQUARIUS IRRIGATION SUPPLY and design (U.S. Registration No. 3044557) and PRISTINE AQUARIUS BULK WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM (U.S. Registration No. 3052093).

In this case, Applicant’s mark is identical to the marks in U.S. Registration Nos. 0717876, 0981603 and 3902416, and has a highly similar commercial impression to the marks in U.S. Registration Nos. 3044557 and 3052093 based on shared wording. Marks may be confusingly similar in appearance where there are similar terms or phrases or similar parts of terms or phrases appearing in both applicant’s and registrant’s mark. See Crocker Nat’l Bank v. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, 228 USPQ 689 (TTAB 1986), aff’d sub nom. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce v. Wells Fargo Bank, Nat’l Ass’n, 811 F.2d 1490, 1 USPQ2d 1813 (Fed. Cir. 1987) (COMMCASH and COMMUNICASH); In re Phillips-Van Heusen Corp., 228 USPQ 949 (TTAB 1986) (21 CLUB and “21” CLUB (stylized)); In re Corning Glass Works, 229 USPQ 65 (TTAB 1985) (CONFIRM and CONFIRMCELLS); In re Collegian Sportswear Inc., 224 USPQ 174 (TTAB 1984) (COLLEGIAN OF CALIFORNIA and COLLEGIENNE); In re Pellerin Milnor Corp., 221 USPQ 558 (TTAB 1983) (MILTRON and MILLTRONICS); In re BASF A.G., 189 USPQ 424 (TTAB 1975) (LUTEXAL and LUTEX); TMEP §1207.01(b)(ii)-(iii).

Turning to the comparison of the goods/services, the goods and/or 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, it is sufficient that the goods and/or services are related in some manner and/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/or 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 No. 0717876

With respect to U.S. Registration No. 0717876, the parties specify identical and/or closely related International Class 011 “fountains”. Moreover, International Class 007, 009 and 011 “fountain” parts and lighting (such as those specified by the applicant) are frequently offered under the same mark and in the same channels of trade as “fountains” such as those identified in the cited registration.

Attached copies of printouts from the USPTO X-Search database show third-party registrations of marks used in connection with the same or similar goods as those of applicant and registrant in this case. These printouts have probative value to the extent that they serve to suggest that the goods listed therein are of a kind that may emanate from a single source. In re Infinity Broad. Corp. of Dallas,60 USPQ2d 1214, 1217-18 (TTAB 2001); In re Albert Trostel & Sons Co.,29 USPQ2d 1783, 1785-86 (TTAB 1993); In re Mucky Duck Mustard Co., 6 USPQ2d 1467, 1470 n.6 (TTAB 1988); TMEP §1207.01(d)(iii).

U.S. Registration Nos. 0981603 and 3052093

As to cited U.S. Registration Nos. 0981603 and 3052093, the parties specify identical and closely related water treatment and filtering products in International Classes 007, 009 and 011. (See attached third party registrations.)

U.S. Registration No. 3044557

With respect to cited U.S. Registration No. 3044557, consumers are likely to be confused by the use of similar marks on or in connection with goods and with services featuring or related to those goods. TMEP §1207.01(a)(ii); see In re Hyper Shoppes (Ohio), Inc., 837 F.2d 463, 6 USPQ2d 1025 (Fed. Cir. 1988) (holding BIGG’S for retail grocery and general merchandise store services likely to be confused with BIGGS for furniture); In re United Serv. Distribs., Inc., 229 USPQ 237 (TTAB 1986) (holding design for distributorship services in the field of health and beauty aids likely to be confused with design for skin cream); In re Phillips-Van Heusen Corp., 228 USPQ 949 (TTAB 1986) (holding 21 CLUB for various items of men’s, boys’, girls’ and women’s clothing likely to be confused with THE “21” CLUB (stylized) for restaurant services and towels); In re U.S. Shoe Corp., 229 USPQ 707 (TTAB 1985) (holding CAREER IMAGE (stylized) for retail women’s clothing store services and clothing likely to be confused with CREST CAREER IMAGES (stylized) for uniforms); Steelcase Inc. v. Steelcare Inc., 219 USPQ 433 (TTAB 1983) (holding STEELCARE INC. for refinishing of furniture, office furniture, and machinery likely to be confused with STEELCASE for office furniture and accessories); Mack Trucks, Inc. v. Huskie Freightways, Inc., 177 USPQ 32 (TTAB 1972) (holding similar marks for trucking services and on motor trucks and buses likely to cause confusion).

In this case, goods such as those identified by the applicant are frequently offered via retail and wholesale services such as those specified in the cited registration. (See attached third party registrations, as well as attached web page printouts from Registrant’s website.)

U.S. Registration No. 3107989

In this case, aquarium “pumps” and “filters” (such as those identified by the applicant) are used with “aquariums” (such as those specified in the cited registration). Where evidence shows that the goods at issue have complementary uses, and thus are often used together or otherwise purchased by the same purchasers for the same or related purposes, such goods have generally been found to be sufficiently related such that confusion would be likely if they are marketed under the same or similar marks. See In re Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc., 748 F.2d 1565, 1567, 223 USPQ 1289, 1290 (Fed. Cir. 1984) (finding bread and cheese to be related because they are often used in combination and noting that “[s]uch complementary use has long been recognized as a relevant consideration in determining a likelihood of confusion”); In re Toshiba Med. Sys. Corp., 91 USPQ2d 1266, 1272 (TTAB 2009) (finding medical MRI diagnostic apparatus and medical ultrasound devices to be related, based in part on the fact that such goods have complementary purposes because they may be used by the same medical personnel on the same patients to treat the same disease); In re Hester Indus., Inc., 231 USPQ 881, 882-83 (TTAB 1986) (finding bread and frozen chicken parts to be complementary goods, and thus related, because such goods are appropriate for use together in sandwiches and may otherwise be sold to the same purchasers for use in a single meal); In re Vienna Sausage Mfg. Co., 230 USPQ 799, 799-800 (TTAB 1986) (finding sausage and cheese to be complementary goods, and thus related, because they may be used together in recipes, sandwiches, and hors d’oeuvres); Polo Fashions, Inc. v. La Loren, Inc., 224 USPQ 509, 511 (TTAB 1984) (finding bath sponges and personal products, such as bath oil, soap, and body lotion, to be closely related because they are complementary goods that are likely to be purchased and used together by the same purchasers). (See also attached third party registrations.)

U.S. Registration No. 3902416

In a likelihood of confusion analysis, the comparison of the parties’ goods and/or services is based on the goods and/or services as they are identified in the application and registration, without limitations or restrictions that are not reflected therein. Hewlett-Packard Co. v. Packard Press Inc., 281 F.3d 1261, 1267-68, 62 USPQ2d 1001, 1004-05 (Fed. Cir. 2002); In re Dakin’s Miniatures, Inc., 59 USPQ2d 1593, 1595 (TTAB 1999); see TMEP §1207.01(a)(iii).

In this case, applicant’s “water features for public facilities … and interior spaces” are identified broadly. Therefore, it is presumed that the application encompasses all goods and/or services of the type described, including those in the registrant’s more specific identification, that the goods and/or services move in all normal channels of trade, and that they are available to all potential customers. See In re La Peregrina Ltd., 86 USPQ2d 1645, 1646 (TTAB 2008); In re Jump Designs LLC, 80 USPQ2d 1370, 1374 (TTAB 2006); TMEP §1207.01(a)(iii). Moreover, “water pipes” and “overflows” (such as those identified by the applicant) are used with goods such as those specified in the cited registration.

The overriding concern is not only to prevent buyer confusion as to the source of the goods and/or services, but to protect the registrant from adverse commercial impact due to use of a similar mark by a newcomer. See In re Shell Oil Co., 992 F.2d 1204, 1208, 26 USPQ2d 1687, 1690 (Fed. Cir. 1993). Therefore, any doubt regarding a likelihood of confusion determination is resolved in favor of the registrant. TMEP §1207.01(d)(i); see Hewlett-Packard Co. v. Packard Press, Inc., 281 F.3d 1261, 1265, 62 USPQ2d 1001, 1003 (Fed. Cir. 2002); In re Hyper Shoppes (Ohio), Inc., 837 F.2d 463, 464-65, 6 USPQ2d 1025, 1025 (Fed. Cir. 1988).

Although applicant’s mark has been refused registration, applicant may respond to the refusal(s) by submitting evidence and arguments in support of registration.

Applicant must respond to the requirement(s) set forth below.

Identification and Classification of Goods

THIS REQUIREMENT APPLIES ONLY TO THE GOODS SPECIFIED THEREIN

The wording “UNIVERSAL” in the identification of goods is a registered mark not owned by applicant. See enclosed copy of U.S. Registration No. 3064752. In its own application, an applicant may use its own registered mark in an identification of goods or services, but may not use a registered mark owned by another party. A registered mark indicates origin in one party and cannot be used to define goods or services that originate in a party other than the registrant. TMEP §1402.09; see Camloc Fastener Corp. v. Grant, 119 USPQ 264, 264 n.1 (TTAB 1958).

Therefore, applicant must amend the identification of goods by deleting the wording “UNIVERSAL” and substituting the common commercial or generic name for the goods.

The following wording in the identification of goods is unacceptably indefinite and must be clarified because it is not sufficiently clear for proper classification. Moreover, some of the wording is also too broad and could include goods classified in other international classes:

“industrial pumps, pumps for chemicals, in particular acid-proof pumps, coolant pumps, replacement parts for the aforesaid pumps”

“hydraulic and pneumatic controllers … mechanical recordings, …software sold as a component of control units for manually or automatically operating and controlling water fountain displays, such software containing programming for water and lighting displays associated with water fountains”

“electric light fixtures … water filtering apparatus, … pond filters, … fountain filters, and parts for the aforesaid goods, … water pipes, overflows, swimming pools and fountains; fountains and water features for public facilities, gardens, balconies and interior spaces”.

Applicant may amend the identification and classification to the following, if accurate. [Changes are noted in bold type.]

“Metal water pipes; metal swimming pools” [in International Class 006]

“Pumps in the nature of electric pumps and as parts of machines; electric pumps for liquids, sludge, suspended matter or floating materials on water surfaces; electric pumps for fountains, swimming pools, aquariums, water treatment systems and sprinkling devices; electric wet-pit pumps, rotary pumps, industrial pumps for the beverage industry, pumps for chemicals, in particular acid-proof centrifugal pumps, coolant pumps in the nature of refrigerant recovery pumps, and replacement parts for the aforesaid pumps, namely, {specify the types of replacement parts belonging in this class}” [in International Class 007]

“Electrical controllers, electronic controllers, and hydraulic and pneumatic controllers in the nature of flow regulators and switches, all for regulating the flow and flow direction of water in sanitary installations, water pipes, swimming pools, fountains, water treatment apparatus, water-filtering apparatus and water-purifying apparatus; and electrical and electronic controllers for lighting; sound recording and sound reproduction apparatus; computers and data-processing apparatus, namely, data processors; data carriers containing magnetic, optical or mechanical sound and video recordings and video films featuring information and details about fountains, water gardens and artificial lakes; software sold as a component of electric motor control units for manually or automatically operating and controlling water fountain displays, such software containing programming for water and lighting displays associated with water fountains” [in International Class 009]

“Lighting apparatus and installations, namely, electric lighting fixtures and landscape lighting installations and waterscape lighting installations; lighting apparatus, namely, UV lamps not for medical purposes, sterilizing lamps not for medical purposes; water treatment apparatus, namely, chemical sterilization units, water filtration units, water purification apparatus; water filters for use in ponds, aquarium filters, water filters for use in drinking fountains, and replacements parts for the aforesaid goods, namely, {specify types of replacement parts belonging in this class, e.g., replacement filters for use therewith}; filter devices and lighting devices therefor, namely, light bulbs and water filters; pressurized water purification apparatus, namely, separators for the cleaning and purification of water; plumbing fittings for sanitary installations, namely, tub overflows for swimming pools and fountains; tub parts, namely, tub overflows; decorative water fountains; ornamental fountains and water jets for use therewith, all for use in public facilities, gardens, balconies and interior spaces; water fountains, nozzles for use with fountains, namely, spray nozzles for water fountains, drinking fountains” [in International Class 011]

“Non-metal water pipes; non-metal swimming pools” [in International Class 019].

TMEP §§1402.01 and 1402.03. [Note: Bracketed classification listing is provided for informational purposes, and does not appear in identification wording.]

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. See TMEP §1402.04.

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

Combined Applications

For an application with more than one international class, called a “multiple-class application,” an applicant must meet all of the requirements below for those international classes based on an intent to use the mark under Trademark Act Section 1(b) and/or a foreign registration under Section 44(e):

(1) LIST GOODS/SERVICES BY INTERNATIONAL CLASS: Applicant must list the goods and/or services by international class; and

(2) PROVIDE FEES FOR ALL INTERNATIONAL CLASSES: Applicant must submit an application filing fee for each international class of goods and/or services not covered by the fee(s) already paid (confirm current fee information at http://www.uspto.gov, click on “View Fee Schedule” under the column titled “Trademarks”).

See 15 U.S.C. §§1051(b), 1112, 1126(e); 37 C.F.R. §§2.34(a)(2)-(3), 2.86(a); TMEP §§1403.01, 1403.02(c).

Application Pursuant to Sections 1(b) and 44(d)

The application specifies both an intent to use basis under Trademark Act Section 1(b) and a claim of priority under Section 44(d) based on a foreign application. See 15 U.S.C. §§1051(b), 1126(d); 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(2), (a)(4). However, the application does not include a foreign registration certificate or a statement indicating whether applicant intends to rely upon the resulting foreign registration under Section 44(e) as an additional basis for registration. See 15 U.S.C. §1126(e).

Although Section 44(d) provides a basis for filing and a priority filing date, it does not provide a basis for publication or registration. 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(4)(iii); TMEP §§1002.02, 1003.03. It is unclear whether applicant intends to rely on Section 44(e) as an additional basis for registration.

Therefore, applicant must clarify the basis in the application by satisfying one of the following:

(1) If applicant intends to rely on Section 44(e), in addition to Section 1(b), as a basis for registration, applicant must so specify. In addition, (i) applicant’s country of origin must either be a party to a convention or treaty relating to trademarks to which the United States is also a party, or must extend reciprocal registration rights to nationals of the United States by law; and (ii) applicant must submit a true copy, photocopy, certification or certified copy of the foreign registration from applicant’s country of origin. See 15 U.S.C. §1126(b)-(c), (e); 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(3)(ii); TMEP §§806.02(f), 1002.01, 1004. A copy of the foreign registration must be a copy of a document that issued to the applicant by or was certified by the intellectual property office in the applicant’s country of origin. TMEP §1004.01. If the foreign registration is not written in English, then applicant must provide an English translation. 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(3)(ii); TMEP §1004.01(a)-(b). The translation should be signed by the translator. TMEP §1004.01(b). If the foreign registration has not yet issued, or applicant requires additional time to procure a copy of the foreign registration (and English translation, as appropriate), applicant should respond to this Office action requesting suspension pending receipt of the foreign registration documentation. TMEP §1003.04(b).; or

(2) If applicant intends to rely on an intent to use basis under Section 1(b), while retaining its Section 44(d) priority filing date, applicant must specify that it does not intend to rely on Section 44(e) as a basis for registration and request that the mark be approved for publication based solely on the Section 1(b) basis. See TMEP §§806.02(f), 806.04(b), 1003.04(b). Although the mark may be approved for publication on the Section 1(b) basis, it will not register until an acceptable allegation of use has been filed. See 15 U.S.C. §1051(c)-(d); 37 C.F.R. §§2.76, 2.88; TMEP §1103.

/Nelson B. Snyder III/

Trademark Examining Attorney

Law Office 107

(571) 272-9284

TO RESPOND TO THIS LETTER: Use the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) response form at http://teasroa.gov.uspto.report/roa/. 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.

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.

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