To: | Yamaha Corporation (docketing@finnegan.com) |
Subject: | U.S. TRADEMARK APPLICATION NO. 85829410 - AUDIOENGINE - 03328.0718-0 |
Sent: | 5/14/2013 8:40:22 AM |
Sent As: | ECOM102@USPTO.GOV |
Attachments: | Attachment - 1 Attachment - 2 |
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE (USPTO)
OFFICE ACTION (OFFICIAL LETTER) ABOUT APPLICANT’S TRADEMARK APPLICATION
U.S. APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 85829410
MARK: AUDIOENGINE
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CORRESPONDENT ADDRESS: |
CLICK HERE TO RESPOND TO THIS LETTER: http://www.gov.uspto.report/trademarks/teas/response_forms.jsp
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APPLICANT: Yamaha Corporation
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CORRESPONDENT’S REFERENCE/DOCKET NO: CORRESPONDENT E-MAIL ADDRESS: |
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OFFICE ACTION
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: 5/14/2013
The referenced application has been reviewed by the assigned trademark examining attorney. Applicant must respond timely and completely to the issues below. 15 U.S.C. §1062(b); 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(a), 2.65(a); TMEP §§711, 718.03.
NO CONFLICTING MARKS
The trademark examining attorney has searched the Office’s database of registered and pending marks and has found no conflicting marks that would bar registration under Trademark Act Section 2(d). TMEP §704.02; see 15 U.S.C. §1052(d).
The identification of goods is indefinite and must be clarified. The wording “BLUETOOTH” in the identification of goods is a registered mark not owned by applicant. See enclosed copy of U.S. Registration No. 2909356. An applicant may not use a registered mark owned by another party in the identification. 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 to delete the wording “BLUETOOTH” and substitute the common commercial or generic name of the goods. In addition, the nature of the “electronic chips” and “audio processor chips” must be clarified. See TMEP §1402.01. Applicant may adopt the following identification, if accurate:
“(Based on Intent to Use) telephone sets; cellular telephones; mobile telephones; car navigation apparatus; car navigation computers; portable audio receivers; portable digital audio players; mobile digital audio players, namely, mobile digital audio memory players; compressed media digital audio players; wireless audio receivers; wireless portable digital audio players; car audio apparatus, namely, speakers, amplifiers, wireless audio receivers, optical disc players, optical disc recorders, hard disc recorders, compressed media digital audio players, stereo tuners and broadcasting tuners; radio-broadcasting receivers; microphones; loudspeakers; headphones; earphones; mini audio systems consisting primarily of speakers, amplifiers, compressed media digital audio players, wireless audio receivers, wireless digital audio players, optical disc players, and hard disc recorders; audio-video amplifiers; combination recorders and players of optical discs; audio signal processors; audio-video receivers; electronic tone generators; electronic circuits for tone generators; pre-recorded optical discs featuring music or cinematographic films; data processing equipment, namely, printed electronic circuits for apparatus and cards bearing integrated circuits and computers; personal computers and personal computer peripherals; computer software for generating, reproducing, effecting and/or recording sound for use with personal computers; computer software for generating, reproducing, effecting and recording sound for use with mobile telephones; computer software for generating, reproducing, effecting and recording sound for use with portable digital audio players; computer software for authoring and producing digital music files for use with personal computers, portable digital audio players and mobile phones; computer software for authoring and producing digital files of lyrics for use with personal computers, portable digital audio players and mobile phones; computer software for authoring and producing digital web pages for use with personal computers, portable digital audio players and mobile telephones; music composition software; computer software for processing digital music files; communication software for transmitting digital content over global computer networks; communication software for transmitting digital contents over wireless telephone networks; personal digital assistants; sound cards; tablet computers; dock speakers for mobile audio players; computer hardware for use in playing computer games; computer game programs and computer game software; downloadable audio recordings featuring music; downloadable audio recording featuring music provided via a computer network; set-top boxes; wireless speakers; electronic circuits for generating, effecting, recording, and reproducing sound; electronic circuit boards; electronic integrated circuits; electronic [specify, e.g., “computer,” “semiconductor,” “silicon,” etc.] chips containing large scale integration circuits; electronic semi-conductors; semiconductor chips; (Based on Use in Commerce) audio processor [specify, e.g., “computer,” “semiconductor,” “silicon,” etc.] chips; large scale integration circuit chips for amplifying, generating, reproducing, effecting, processing and recording sound for use with television, personal computers, portable digital audio players and/or mobile telephones; large scale integration computer chips; television sets,” in International Class 9.
For assistance with identifying and classifying goods 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.
SPECIMEN ILLEGIBLE
In this case, the examining attorney does not see the mark on the specimen. It is possible, however, that the mark appears on the specimen in one of the red boxes running along the bottom of the specimen; the wording within the boxes, however, is too pixelated to be legible.
Therefore, applicant must satisfy one of the following:
(1) Submit online via the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), or by regular mail, a true and unaltered copy of the originally submitted specimen, and a statement by the person who transmitted the application to the Office that the resubmitted specimen is a true copy of the specimen that was originally filed with the application. TMEP §904.02(a); see TMEP §904.02(b).; or
(2) Submit a substitute specimen showing the mark in use in commerce for each class of goods and/or services specified in the application, and the following statement, verified with an affidavit or signed declaration under 37 C.F.R. §2.20: “The substitute specimen was in use in commerce at least as early as the filing date of the application.” 37 C.F.R. §2.59(a); TMEP §§904.02(a), 904.05; see 37 C.F.R. §2.193(e)(1); TMEP §904.02(b). If submitting a substitute specimen requires an amendment to the dates of use, applicant must also verify the amended dates. 37 C.F.R. §2.71(c); TMEP §904.05.
Examples of specimens for goods are tags, labels, instruction manuals, containers, photographs that show the mark on the actual goods or packaging, or displays associated with the actual goods at their point of sale. See TMEP §§904.03 et seq.
If applicant cannot satisfy one of the above requirements, applicant may amend the application from a use in commerce basis under Section 1(a) to an intent to use basis under Section 1(b), for which no specimen is required. See TMEP §806.03(c). However, if applicant amends the basis to Section 1(b), registration will not be granted until applicant later amends the application back to use in commerce by filing an acceptable allegation of use with a proper specimen. See 15 U.S.C. §1051(c), (d); 37 C.F.R. §§2.76, 2.88; TMEP §1103.
To amend to Section 1(b), applicant must submit the following statement, verified with an affidavit or signed declaration under 37 C.F.R. §2.20: “Applicant has had a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce on or in connection with the goods and/or services listed in the application as of the filing date of the application.” 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(2); TMEP §806.01(b); see 15 U.S.C. §1051(b); 37 C.F.R. §§2.35(b)(1), 2.193(e)(1).
Pending receipt of a proper response, registration is refused because the specimen does not show the applied-for mark in use in commerce as a trademark and/or service mark. Trademark Act Sections 1 and 45, 15 U.S.C. §§1051, 1127; 37 C.F.R. §§2.34(a)(1)(iv), 2.56(a); TMEP §§904, 904.07(a).
SPECIMEN REFUSAL—PROOF
The term “use in commerce” is defined as “the bona fide use of a mark in the ordinary course of trade.” 15 U.S.C. §1127. A mark is used in commerce in relation to goods when it is used on the goods, containers for the goods, displays associated with the goods or tags or labels affixed to the goods, and such goods are sold or transported in commerce. 15 U.S.C. §1127; TMEP §901.01; see 37 C.F.R. §2.56(b)(1).
An application based on Section 1(a) must include a specimen showing the applied-for mark in use in commerce for each class of goods. Trademark Act Sections 1 and 45, 15 U.S.C. §§1051, 1127; 37 C.F.R. §§2.34(a)(1)(iv), 2.56(a); TMEP §§904, 904.07(a).
Therefore, applicant must submit the following:
(1) A substitute specimen showing the mark in actual use in commerce for each class of goods specified in the application.
(2) The following statement, verified with an affidavit or signed declaration under 37 C.F.R. §2.20: “The substitute specimen was in use in commerce at least as early as the filing date of the application.” 37 C.F.R. §2.59(a); TMEP §904.05; see 37 C.F.R. §2.193(e)(1). If submitting a substitute specimen requires an amendment to the dates of use, applicant must also verify the amended dates. 37 C.F.R. §2.71(c); TMEP §904.05.
Examples of specimens for goods are tags, labels, instruction manuals, containers, photographs that show the mark on the actual goods or packaging, or displays associated with the actual goods at their point of sale. See TMEP §§904.03 et seq.
If applicant cannot satisfy the above requirements, applicant may amend the application from a use in commerce basis under Section 1(a) to an intent to use basis under Section 1(b), for which no specimen is required. See TMEP §806.03(c). However, if applicant amends the basis to Section 1(b), registration will not be granted until applicant later amends the application back to use in commerce by filing an acceptable allegation of use with a proper specimen. See 15 U.S.C. §1051(c), (d); 37 C.F.R. §§2.76, 2.88; TMEP §1103.
To amend to Section 1(b), applicant must submit the following statement, verified with an affidavit or signed declaration under 37 C.F.R. §2.20: “Applicant has had a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce on or in connection with the goods listed in the application as of the filing date of the application.” 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(2); TMEP §806.01(b); see 15 U.S.C. §1051(b); 37 C.F.R. §§2.35(b)(1), 2.193(e)(1).
Pending receipt of a proper response, registration is refused because the specimen does not show the applied-for mark in use in commerce as a trademark. Trademark Act Sections 1 and 45, 15 U.S.C. §§1051, 1127; 37 C.F.R. §§2.34(a)(1)(iv), 2.56(a); TMEP §§904, 904.07(a).
SPECIMEN REFUSAL RESPONSE OPTIONS
If applicant responds to this Office action online via the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), applicant should provide a substitute specimen as follows: (1) answer “yes” to the TEAS response form wizard question to “submit a new or substitute specimen,” (2) attach a jpg or pdf file of the substitute specimen, and (3) select the statement that “The substitute specimen(s) was in use in commerce at least as early as the filing date of the application.” However, if applicant is responding by amending the application to a Section 1(b) filing basis, applicant should do the following: (1) answer “yes” to the TEAS response form wizard questions to “change filing basis” and for a “signed declaration,” respectively; (2) uncheck the box for “Filing Basis Section 1(a);” and (3) check the box for “Filing Basis Section 1(b).” Please note that these steps appear on different pages of the TEAS response form.
Whether submitting a substitute specimen or amending the filing basis to Section 1(b), applicant must also personally sign or personally enter his/her electronic signature and date after the declaration at the end of the TEAS response form, and print or type the name of the signatory immediately below or adjacent to his/her signature or identify it elsewhere in the filing. See 37 C.F.R. §§2.34(a)(2), 2.59(a), 2.193(a), (c)-(d), (e)(1); TMEP §§611.01(c), 804.01(b).
If applicant experiences difficulty in submitting the required substitute specimen, supporting statement and/or declaration, or changing the filing basis, please e-mail TEAS@uspto.gov for technical assistance regarding the TEAS response form.
If applicant responds to this Office action on paper, via regular mail, applicant may provide a verified substitute specimen by (1) checking the first statement below and personally signing, dating, and printing or typing the name of the signatory in the declaration appearing below the statement; and (2) submitting a substitute specimen showing the applied-for mark in use in commerce. See 37 C.F.R. §§2.20, 2.59(a), 2.193(a)(1), (d), (e)(1); TMEP §§611.01(b), 804.01(b), 904.05. If applicant is responding by amending the application to a Section 1(b) filing basis, applicant may check the second statement below, and personally sign, date, and enter the printed or typed name of the signatory in the declaration appearing below the statement. See 37 C.F.R. §§2.20, 2.34(a)(2), 2.193(a)(1), (d), (e)(1); TMEP §§611.01(b), 804.01(b), 806.03(c).
q The substitute specimen was in use in commerce at least as early as the filing date of the application.
q Applicant has had a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce on or in connection with the goods and/or services listed in the application as of the filing date of the application.
The undersigned being warned that willful false statements and the like are punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, under 18 U.S.C. §1001, and that such willful false statements and the like may jeopardize the validity of the application or document or any registration resulting therefrom, declares that all statements made of his/her own knowledge are true; and all statements made on information and belief are believed to be true.
_____________________________
(Signature)
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(Print or Type Name and Position)
_____________________________
(Date)
QUESTIONS
If applicant has questions regarding this Office action, please telephone or e-mail the assigned trademark examining attorney. All relevant e-mail communications will be placed in the official application record; however, an e-mail communication will not be accepted as a response to this Office action and will not extend the deadline for filing a proper response. See 37 C.F.R. §2.191; TMEP §§304.01-.02, 709.04-.05. Further, although the trademark examining attorney may provide additional explanation pertaining to the refusals and/or requirements in this Office action, the trademark examining attorney may not provide legal advice or statements about applicant’s rights. See TMEP §§705.02, 709.06.
/John M. Gartner/
Trademark Examining Attorney
Law Office 102
(571) 272-9255
John.Gartner@uspto.gov (informal correspondence)
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 the Trademark Electronic Application System (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 the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system at http://tsdr.gov.uspto.report/. Please keep a copy of the TSDR status screen. If the status shows no change for more than six months, contact the Trademark Assistance Center by e-mail at TrademarkAssistanceCenter@uspto.gov or 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/trademarks/teas/correspondence.jsp.