Response to Office Action

QUICKCONNECT

USA Technologies, Inc.

Response to Office Action

PTO Form 1957 (Rev 9/2005)
OMB No. 0651-0050 (Exp. 07/31/2017)

Response to Office Action


The table below presents the data as entered.

Input Field
Entered
SERIAL NUMBER 86068891
LAW OFFICE ASSIGNED LAW OFFICE 116
MARK SECTION
MARK http://uspto.report/TM/86068891/mark.png
LITERAL ELEMENT QUICKCONNECT
STANDARD CHARACTERS YES
USPTO-GENERATED IMAGE YES
MARK STATEMENT The mark consists of standard characters, without claim to any particular font style, size or color.
ARGUMENT(S)

The following responds to the Office Action dated November 22, 2013:

Likelihood of Confusion

The Examining Attorney has refused registration of the subject mark under Section 2(d) of the Trademark Act based on:

Reg. No.

Mark

Goods/Services

Owner

4,339,245

QUICKCONNECT

Cl. 36 - Electronic commerce payment services, namely, establishing and administering online spending profiles that are linked to funded accounts or credit, debit or other payment cards that control, facilitate and administer approved payments used to purchase goods and services on the Internet; providing real-time on-line transaction payment approval by funding account holders or cardholders upon request from merchant sites or designated account users, on-line payment processing and management of credit, debit or other payment card transactions; debit card services

Cl. 42 - Computer services, namely, providing a web based system and online portal featuring online non-downloadable software that enables customers to control, facilitate and administer approved payments by designated account users to purchase goods and services on the Internet and provides real time on-line transaction payment approval by funding account holders or cardholders upon request from merchant sites or designated account users

VIRTUAL PIGGY, INC.

Applicant submits that there is no likelihood of confusion between the registered mark, as issued, and Applicant’s mark as amended.

Confusing similarity between goods/services cannot be presumed merely because certain services associated with the marks fall into the same broad category – in this case, electronic payment.  See TMEP 1207.01(a)(iv)(noting that there can be no rule that certain goods or services are per se related, such that there must be a likelihood of confusion from the use of similar marks in relation thereto).  See also, e.g., Information Resources Inc. v. X*Press Information Services, 6 USPQ2d 1034, 1038 (TTAB 1988) (regarding computer hardware and software); Hi-Country Foods Corp. v. Hi Country Beef Jerky, 4 USPQ2d 1169, 1171 (TTAB 1987) (regarding food products); In re Quadram Corp., 228 USPQ 863, 865 (TTAB 1985) (regarding computer hardware and software); In re British Bulldog, Ltd., 224 USPQ 854, 855-56 (TTAB 1984) and cases cited therein (regarding clothing); Mr. Hero Sandwich Systems, Inc. v. Roman Meal Company, 228 USPQ 364 (Fed. Cir. 1986) (use of ROMANBURGER in connection with sandwiches held unlikely to be confused with ROMAN MEAL for bread and baker’s flour); John L. Armitage & Co. v. National Industries, Inc., 166 USPQ 504 (TTAB 1970) (ARMORCLAD for use in connection with finishing paints for, among other items, furniture held unlikely to be confused with ARMORCLAD & Helmet Design for cabinets, panels, tables, chairs, desks, and other pieces of furniture); and Season-All Sales Corporation v. Benjamin Moore & Co., 134 USPQ 587 (TTAB 1962) (TEMP-GARD for use in connection with mixed aluminum paints unlikely to be confused by purchasers with TEMP-GARD for use in connection with aluminum storm windows and doors).

Applicant’s goods/services, as amended, are:

Cl. 9 - Web services software for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, customer services and troubleshooting services

Cl. 36 - Payment processing services, namely, credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transaction and electronic payment processing services; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via computer networks; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via mobile application and software; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via telephone line; electronic funds transfer; web service solutions, namely, providing secure electronic processing of credit card and debit card transactions and electronic payments via a global computer network

Cl. 42 - Web services, namely, secure interface with a server for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, customer services and troubleshooting services; technical support services, namely, troubleshooting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card readers, troubleshooting mobile application and software for accepting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions

The services, as issued in connection with US Reg. No. 4,339,245 for the Mark QUICKCONNECT, are:

Cl. 36 - Electronic commerce payment services, namely, establishing and administering online spending profiles that are linked to funded accounts or credit, debit or other payment cards that control, facilitate and administer approved payments used to purchase goods and services on the Internet; providing real-time on-line transaction payment approval by funding account holders or cardholders upon request from merchant sites or designated account users, on-line payment processing and management of credit, debit or other payment card transactions; debit card services

Cl. 42 - Computer services, namely, providing a web based system and online portal featuring online non-downloadable software that enables customers to control, facilitate and administer approved payments by designated account users to purchase goods and services on the Internet and provides real time on-line transaction payment approval by funding account holders or cardholders upon request from merchant sites or designated account users

As amended, Applicant’s self-service point of sale machine, equipment and mobile device connecting and payment processing goods/services are clearly unrelated to the cited Internet commerce account services.  Applicant’s goods/services relate to connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, processing payments, and providing related customer and troubleshooting services, all over the Internet. Applicant’s goods/services use the Internet to process payments and are not for making purchases on the Internet.  Conversely, the registrant’s services relate to purchasing goods and services on the Internet.  More specifically, as can be seen from the specimens submitted in support of the cited registration (copies attached), the cited services are for Internet commerce accounts for children (something akin to PayPal for kids) where parents are able to set parameters for and monitor purchases made by children using the account.  Consumers would therefore not expect the Applicant’s software for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing and related payment processing services to emanate from the same source or otherwise be confused with registrant’s services for allowing children to make parent controlled purchases on the Internet. 

In addition to the differences between the services, Applicant submits that additional du Pont factors supports a finding that there is no likelihood of confusion in this instance.  See In re E.I. du Pont at 1361 ((1) The similarity or dissimilarity of the marks in their entireties as to appearance, sound, connotation, and commercial impression.  (2) The similarity or dissimilarity and nature of the goods ... described in an application or registration or in connection with which a prior mark is in use.  (3) The similarity or dissimilarity of established, likely-to-continue trade channels.  (4) The conditions under which and buyers to whom sales are made, i.e. “impulse” vs. careful, sophisticated purchasing.  (5) The fame of the prior mark ... .  (6) The number and nature of similar marks in use on similar goods. (7) The nature and extent of any actual confusion.  (8) The length of time during and the conditions under which there has been concurrent use without evidence of actual confusion. (9) The variety of goods on which a mark is or is not used ... .  (10) The market interface between the applicant and the owner of a prior mark. ...  (11) The extent to which applicant has a right to exclude others from use of its mark on its goods.  (12) The extent of potential confusion. ...  (13) Any other established fact probative of the effect of use.). 

Applicant’s software for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing, and payment processing services travel in different channels of trade than the registrant’s services.  Applicant’s customers are operators of self-service point of sale machines and in person service providers using Applicant’s services to receive payment for transactions made in the real world.  Registrant’s customers are individuals making purchases on the Internet.  Given the different likely-to-continue channels of trade of the Applicant’s services and the cited services, Applicant submits that the respective goods/services would not be encountered by the same purchasers under circumstances that would result in a likelihood of confusion as to the separate sources of the goods/services. See Hi-Country Foods Corporation v. Hi Country Beef Jerky, 4 USPQ2d 1169 (TTAB 1987); Shen Manufacturing Co., 73 USPQ2d 1350 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (cooking classes and kitchen textiles not related); Local Trademarks, Inc. v. Handy Boys Inc., 16 USPQ2d 1156 (TTAB 1990) (LITTLE PLUMBER for liquid drain opener held not confusingly similar to LITTLE PLUMBER and design for advertising services, namely the formulation and preparation of advertising copy and literature in the plumbing field); Quartz Radiation Corp. v. Comm/Scope Co., 1 USPQ2d 1668 (TTAB 1986) [QR for coaxial cable held not confusingly similar to QR for various products (e.g., lamps, tubes) related to the photocopying field].

Given the importance of commercial payment, generally, and the risks associated with payment authorization and processing, the respective goods/services are likely to be purchased after careful consideration, further minimizing the likelihood of confusion between Applicant’s mark and the cited mark.  Operators of self-service point of sale machines and in person service providers are going to exercise care in selecting and purchasing Applicant’s goods/services, because they will be relying on those goods/services for their livelihood.  Internet shoppers using registrant’s spending accounts will exercise care in selecting and purchasing registrant’s services because they will be providing personal information and financial data (bank account information, credit card information, etc.) as part of the service.  Circumstances suggesting careful purchasing can minimize likelihood of confusion between Applicant’s mark and the cited mark.  See TMEP 1207.01(d)(vii). 

The careful purchasers of Applicant’s goods/services for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, and payment processing services are not likely to expect the cited registrant’s online retail services to emanate from the same source, nor are the careful purchasers of the cited registrant’s spending account services likely to encounter Applicant’s services in the typical channels of trade, let alone be confused by them. 

In conclusion, in order to maintain a rejection under Section 2(d) it is not sufficient if confusion is merely “possible.”  A higher standard is required.  See Shatel Corp. v. Mao Ta Lumber & Yacht Corp., 697 F.2d 1352, n.2, 220 USPQ 412 (11th Cir. 1983) (likelihood is synonymous with probability); Rodeo Collection, Ltd. V. West Seventh, 812 F.2d 1215, 2 USPQ2d 1204, 1206 (9th Cir. 1987) (“Likelihood of confusion requires that confusion be probable, not simply a possibility.”); Blue Bell Bio-Medical v. Cin-Bad, Inc., 864 F.2d 1253, 9 USPQ2d 1870, 1875 (5th Cir. 1989) (“[Plaintiff] must show, however, that confusion is probable; a mere possibility that some customers might mistakenly identify the [defendant’s product] as [plaintiff’s] product is not sufficient.”).  This burden has not been met in this case.

Specimen

Applicant respectfully resubmits the attached specimen featuring 24/7 customer service and sales reports.

Given the foregoing response, it is respectfully requested that Applicant’s mark be approved for publication in the Official Gazette for opposition purposes.

EVIDENCE SECTION
        EVIDENCE FILE NAME(S)
       ORIGINAL PDF FILE evi_74117225201-150036033_._Virtual_Pig_QuickConnect.pdf
       CONVERTED PDF FILE(S)
       (3 pages)
\\TICRS\EXPORT16\IMAGEOUT16\860\688\86068891\xml5\ROA0002.JPG
        \\TICRS\EXPORT16\IMAGEOUT16\860\688\86068891\xml5\ROA0003.JPG
        \\TICRS\EXPORT16\IMAGEOUT16\860\688\86068891\xml5\ROA0004.JPG
       ORIGINAL PDF FILE evi_74117225201-150036033_._QUICKCONNECT_-_Cl._35.pdf
       CONVERTED PDF FILE(S)
       (1 page)
\\TICRS\EXPORT16\IMAGEOUT16\860\688\86068891\xml5\ROA0005.JPG
DESCRIPTION OF EVIDENCE FILE evidence supporting response
GOODS AND/OR SERVICES SECTION (009)(no change)
GOODS AND/OR SERVICES SECTION (035)(no change)
GOODS AND/OR SERVICES SECTION (036)(current)
INTERNATIONAL CLASS 036
DESCRIPTION
Payment processing services, namely, credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transaction and electronic payment processing services; Providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via computer networks; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via mobile application and software; providing credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via telephone line; electronic funds transfer; web service solutions, namely, providing secure electronic processing of credit card and debit card transactions and electronic payments via a global computer network
FILING BASIS Section 1(a)
        FIRST USE ANYWHERE DATE At least as early as 08/28/2012
        FIRST USE IN COMMERCE DATE At least as early as 08/28/2012
GOODS AND/OR SERVICES SECTION (036)(proposed)
INTERNATIONAL CLASS 036
TRACKED TEXT DESCRIPTION
Payment processing services, namely, credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transaction and electronic payment processing services; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via computer networks; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via mobile application and software; providing credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via telephone line; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via telephone line; electronic funds transfer; web service solutions, namely, providing secure electronic processing of credit card and debit card transactions and electronic payments via a global computer network
FINAL DESCRIPTION
Payment processing services, namely, credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transaction and electronic payment processing services; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via computer networks; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via mobile application and software; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via telephone line; electronic funds transfer; web service solutions, namely, providing secure electronic processing of credit card and debit card transactions and electronic payments via a global computer network
FILING BASIS Section 1(a)
       FIRST USE ANYWHERE DATE At least as early as 08/28/2012
       FIRST USE IN COMMERCE DATE At least as early as 08/28/2012
GOODS AND/OR SERVICES SECTION (042)(current)
INTERNATIONAL CLASS 042
DESCRIPTION
Web services for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, customer services and troubleshooting services; technical support services, namely, troubleshooting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card readers, troubleshooting mobile application and software for accepting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions
FILING BASIS Section 1(a)
        FIRST USE ANYWHERE DATE At least as early as 08/28/2012
        FIRST USE IN COMMERCE DATE At least as early as 08/28/2012
GOODS AND/OR SERVICES SECTION (042)(proposed)
INTERNATIONAL CLASS 042
TRACKED TEXT DESCRIPTION
Web services for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, customer services and troubleshooting services; Web services, namely, secure interface with a server for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, customer services and troubleshooting services; technical support services, namely, troubleshooting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card readers, troubleshooting mobile application and software for accepting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions
FINAL DESCRIPTION
Web services, namely, secure interface with a server for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, customer services and troubleshooting services; technical support services, namely, troubleshooting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card readers, troubleshooting mobile application and software for accepting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions
FILING BASIS Section 1(a)
       FIRST USE ANYWHERE DATE At least as early as 08/28/2012
       FIRST USE IN COMMERCE DATE At least as early as 08/28/2012
SIGNATURE SECTION
RESPONSE SIGNATURE /jwm/
SIGNATORY'S NAME John W. McGlynn
SIGNATORY'S POSITION Attorney for Applicant, DE bar member
DATE SIGNED 05/22/2014
AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY YES
FILING INFORMATION SECTION
SUBMIT DATE Thu May 22 08:30:53 EDT 2014
TEAS STAMP USPTO/ROA-XX.XXX.XXX.XXX-
20140522083053507567-8606
8891-500e50868e57701b3cd3
69b839aea2947673b3dfd0736
bc48af7bfe7e27c5e5-N/A-N/
A-20140522081354637200



PTO Form 1957 (Rev 9/2005)
OMB No. 0651-0050 (Exp. 07/31/2017)

Response to Office Action


To the Commissioner for Trademarks:

Application serial no. 86068891 QUICKCONNECT(Standard Characters, see http://uspto.report/TM/86068891/mark.png) has been amended as follows:

ARGUMENT(S)
In response to the substantive refusal(s), please note the following:

The following responds to the Office Action dated November 22, 2013:

Likelihood of Confusion

The Examining Attorney has refused registration of the subject mark under Section 2(d) of the Trademark Act based on:

Reg. No.

Mark

Goods/Services

Owner

4,339,245

QUICKCONNECT

Cl. 36 - Electronic commerce payment services, namely, establishing and administering online spending profiles that are linked to funded accounts or credit, debit or other payment cards that control, facilitate and administer approved payments used to purchase goods and services on the Internet; providing real-time on-line transaction payment approval by funding account holders or cardholders upon request from merchant sites or designated account users, on-line payment processing and management of credit, debit or other payment card transactions; debit card services

Cl. 42 - Computer services, namely, providing a web based system and online portal featuring online non-downloadable software that enables customers to control, facilitate and administer approved payments by designated account users to purchase goods and services on the Internet and provides real time on-line transaction payment approval by funding account holders or cardholders upon request from merchant sites or designated account users

VIRTUAL PIGGY, INC.

Applicant submits that there is no likelihood of confusion between the registered mark, as issued, and Applicant’s mark as amended.

Confusing similarity between goods/services cannot be presumed merely because certain services associated with the marks fall into the same broad category – in this case, electronic payment.  See TMEP 1207.01(a)(iv)(noting that there can be no rule that certain goods or services are per se related, such that there must be a likelihood of confusion from the use of similar marks in relation thereto).  See also, e.g., Information Resources Inc. v. X*Press Information Services, 6 USPQ2d 1034, 1038 (TTAB 1988) (regarding computer hardware and software); Hi-Country Foods Corp. v. Hi Country Beef Jerky, 4 USPQ2d 1169, 1171 (TTAB 1987) (regarding food products); In re Quadram Corp., 228 USPQ 863, 865 (TTAB 1985) (regarding computer hardware and software); In re British Bulldog, Ltd., 224 USPQ 854, 855-56 (TTAB 1984) and cases cited therein (regarding clothing); Mr. Hero Sandwich Systems, Inc. v. Roman Meal Company, 228 USPQ 364 (Fed. Cir. 1986) (use of ROMANBURGER in connection with sandwiches held unlikely to be confused with ROMAN MEAL for bread and baker’s flour); John L. Armitage & Co. v. National Industries, Inc., 166 USPQ 504 (TTAB 1970) (ARMORCLAD for use in connection with finishing paints for, among other items, furniture held unlikely to be confused with ARMORCLAD & Helmet Design for cabinets, panels, tables, chairs, desks, and other pieces of furniture); and Season-All Sales Corporation v. Benjamin Moore & Co., 134 USPQ 587 (TTAB 1962) (TEMP-GARD for use in connection with mixed aluminum paints unlikely to be confused by purchasers with TEMP-GARD for use in connection with aluminum storm windows and doors).

Applicant’s goods/services, as amended, are:

Cl. 9 - Web services software for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, customer services and troubleshooting services

Cl. 36 - Payment processing services, namely, credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transaction and electronic payment processing services; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via computer networks; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via mobile application and software; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via telephone line; electronic funds transfer; web service solutions, namely, providing secure electronic processing of credit card and debit card transactions and electronic payments via a global computer network

Cl. 42 - Web services, namely, secure interface with a server for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, customer services and troubleshooting services; technical support services, namely, troubleshooting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card readers, troubleshooting mobile application and software for accepting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions

The services, as issued in connection with US Reg. No. 4,339,245 for the Mark QUICKCONNECT, are:

Cl. 36 - Electronic commerce payment services, namely, establishing and administering online spending profiles that are linked to funded accounts or credit, debit or other payment cards that control, facilitate and administer approved payments used to purchase goods and services on the Internet; providing real-time on-line transaction payment approval by funding account holders or cardholders upon request from merchant sites or designated account users, on-line payment processing and management of credit, debit or other payment card transactions; debit card services

Cl. 42 - Computer services, namely, providing a web based system and online portal featuring online non-downloadable software that enables customers to control, facilitate and administer approved payments by designated account users to purchase goods and services on the Internet and provides real time on-line transaction payment approval by funding account holders or cardholders upon request from merchant sites or designated account users

As amended, Applicant’s self-service point of sale machine, equipment and mobile device connecting and payment processing goods/services are clearly unrelated to the cited Internet commerce account services.  Applicant’s goods/services relate to connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, processing payments, and providing related customer and troubleshooting services, all over the Internet. Applicant’s goods/services use the Internet to process payments and are not for making purchases on the Internet.  Conversely, the registrant’s services relate to purchasing goods and services on the Internet.  More specifically, as can be seen from the specimens submitted in support of the cited registration (copies attached), the cited services are for Internet commerce accounts for children (something akin to PayPal for kids) where parents are able to set parameters for and monitor purchases made by children using the account.  Consumers would therefore not expect the Applicant’s software for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing and related payment processing services to emanate from the same source or otherwise be confused with registrant’s services for allowing children to make parent controlled purchases on the Internet. 

In addition to the differences between the services, Applicant submits that additional du Pont factors supports a finding that there is no likelihood of confusion in this instance.  See In re E.I. du Pont at 1361 ((1) The similarity or dissimilarity of the marks in their entireties as to appearance, sound, connotation, and commercial impression.  (2) The similarity or dissimilarity and nature of the goods ... described in an application or registration or in connection with which a prior mark is in use.  (3) The similarity or dissimilarity of established, likely-to-continue trade channels.  (4) The conditions under which and buyers to whom sales are made, i.e. “impulse” vs. careful, sophisticated purchasing.  (5) The fame of the prior mark ... .  (6) The number and nature of similar marks in use on similar goods. (7) The nature and extent of any actual confusion.  (8) The length of time during and the conditions under which there has been concurrent use without evidence of actual confusion. (9) The variety of goods on which a mark is or is not used ... .  (10) The market interface between the applicant and the owner of a prior mark. ...  (11) The extent to which applicant has a right to exclude others from use of its mark on its goods.  (12) The extent of potential confusion. ...  (13) Any other established fact probative of the effect of use.). 

Applicant’s software for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing, and payment processing services travel in different channels of trade than the registrant’s services.  Applicant’s customers are operators of self-service point of sale machines and in person service providers using Applicant’s services to receive payment for transactions made in the real world.  Registrant’s customers are individuals making purchases on the Internet.  Given the different likely-to-continue channels of trade of the Applicant’s services and the cited services, Applicant submits that the respective goods/services would not be encountered by the same purchasers under circumstances that would result in a likelihood of confusion as to the separate sources of the goods/services. See Hi-Country Foods Corporation v. Hi Country Beef Jerky, 4 USPQ2d 1169 (TTAB 1987); Shen Manufacturing Co., 73 USPQ2d 1350 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (cooking classes and kitchen textiles not related); Local Trademarks, Inc. v. Handy Boys Inc., 16 USPQ2d 1156 (TTAB 1990) (LITTLE PLUMBER for liquid drain opener held not confusingly similar to LITTLE PLUMBER and design for advertising services, namely the formulation and preparation of advertising copy and literature in the plumbing field); Quartz Radiation Corp. v. Comm/Scope Co., 1 USPQ2d 1668 (TTAB 1986) [QR for coaxial cable held not confusingly similar to QR for various products (e.g., lamps, tubes) related to the photocopying field].

Given the importance of commercial payment, generally, and the risks associated with payment authorization and processing, the respective goods/services are likely to be purchased after careful consideration, further minimizing the likelihood of confusion between Applicant’s mark and the cited mark.  Operators of self-service point of sale machines and in person service providers are going to exercise care in selecting and purchasing Applicant’s goods/services, because they will be relying on those goods/services for their livelihood.  Internet shoppers using registrant’s spending accounts will exercise care in selecting and purchasing registrant’s services because they will be providing personal information and financial data (bank account information, credit card information, etc.) as part of the service.  Circumstances suggesting careful purchasing can minimize likelihood of confusion between Applicant’s mark and the cited mark.  See TMEP 1207.01(d)(vii). 

The careful purchasers of Applicant’s goods/services for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, and payment processing services are not likely to expect the cited registrant’s online retail services to emanate from the same source, nor are the careful purchasers of the cited registrant’s spending account services likely to encounter Applicant’s services in the typical channels of trade, let alone be confused by them. 

In conclusion, in order to maintain a rejection under Section 2(d) it is not sufficient if confusion is merely “possible.”  A higher standard is required.  See Shatel Corp. v. Mao Ta Lumber & Yacht Corp., 697 F.2d 1352, n.2, 220 USPQ 412 (11th Cir. 1983) (likelihood is synonymous with probability); Rodeo Collection, Ltd. V. West Seventh, 812 F.2d 1215, 2 USPQ2d 1204, 1206 (9th Cir. 1987) (“Likelihood of confusion requires that confusion be probable, not simply a possibility.”); Blue Bell Bio-Medical v. Cin-Bad, Inc., 864 F.2d 1253, 9 USPQ2d 1870, 1875 (5th Cir. 1989) (“[Plaintiff] must show, however, that confusion is probable; a mere possibility that some customers might mistakenly identify the [defendant’s product] as [plaintiff’s] product is not sufficient.”).  This burden has not been met in this case.

Specimen

Applicant respectfully resubmits the attached specimen featuring 24/7 customer service and sales reports.

Given the foregoing response, it is respectfully requested that Applicant’s mark be approved for publication in the Official Gazette for opposition purposes.



EVIDENCE
Evidence in the nature of evidence supporting response has been attached.
Original PDF file:
evi_74117225201-150036033_._Virtual_Pig_QuickConnect.pdf
Converted PDF file(s) ( 3 pages)
Evidence-1
Evidence-2
Evidence-3
Original PDF file:
evi_74117225201-150036033_._QUICKCONNECT_-_Cl._35.pdf
Converted PDF file(s) ( 1 page)
Evidence-1

CLASSIFICATION AND LISTING OF GOODS/SERVICES
Applicant proposes to amend the following class of goods/services in the application:
Current: Class 036 for Payment processing services, namely, credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transaction and electronic payment processing services; Providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via computer networks; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via mobile application and software; providing credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via telephone line; electronic funds transfer; web service solutions, namely, providing secure electronic processing of credit card and debit card transactions and electronic payments via a global computer network
Original Filing Basis:
Filing Basis: Section 1(a), Use in Commerce: The applicant is using the mark in commerce, or the applicant's related company or licensee is using the mark in commerce, on or in connection with the identified goods and/or services. 15 U.S.C. Section 1051(a), as amended. The mark was first used at least as early as 08/28/2012 and first used in commerce at least as early as 08/28/2012 , and is now in use in such commerce.

Proposed:
Tracked Text Description: Payment processing services, namely, credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transaction and electronic payment processing services; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via computer networks; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via mobile application and software; providing credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via telephone line; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via telephone line; electronic funds transfer; web service solutions, namely, providing secure electronic processing of credit card and debit card transactions and electronic payments via a global computer networkClass 036 for Payment processing services, namely, credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transaction and electronic payment processing services; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via computer networks; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via mobile application and software; providing electronic processing of credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions and electronic payments via telephone line; electronic funds transfer; web service solutions, namely, providing secure electronic processing of credit card and debit card transactions and electronic payments via a global computer network
Filing Basis: Section 1(a), Use in Commerce: The applicant is using the mark in commerce, or the applicant's related company or licensee is using the mark in commerce, on or in connection with the identified goods and/or services. 15 U.S.C. Section 1051(a), as amended. The mark was first used at least as early as 08/28/2012 and first used in commerce at least as early as 08/28/2012 , and is now in use in such commerce.
Applicant proposes to amend the following class of goods/services in the application:
Current: Class 042 for Web services for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, customer services and troubleshooting services; technical support services, namely, troubleshooting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card readers, troubleshooting mobile application and software for accepting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions
Original Filing Basis:
Filing Basis: Section 1(a), Use in Commerce: The applicant is using the mark in commerce, or the applicant's related company or licensee is using the mark in commerce, on or in connection with the identified goods and/or services. 15 U.S.C. Section 1051(a), as amended. The mark was first used at least as early as 08/28/2012 and first used in commerce at least as early as 08/28/2012 , and is now in use in such commerce.

Proposed:
Tracked Text Description: Web services for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, customer services and troubleshooting services; Web services, namely, secure interface with a server for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, customer services and troubleshooting services; technical support services, namely, troubleshooting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card readers, troubleshooting mobile application and software for accepting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactionsClass 042 for Web services, namely, secure interface with a server for connecting self-service point of sale machines, equipment and mobile devices to payment processing services, customer services and troubleshooting services; technical support services, namely, troubleshooting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card readers, troubleshooting mobile application and software for accepting credit card, debit card, and prepaid card transactions
Filing Basis: Section 1(a), Use in Commerce: The applicant is using the mark in commerce, or the applicant's related company or licensee is using the mark in commerce, on or in connection with the identified goods and/or services. 15 U.S.C. Section 1051(a), as amended. The mark was first used at least as early as 08/28/2012 and first used in commerce at least as early as 08/28/2012 , and is now in use in such commerce.
SIGNATURE(S)
Response Signature
Signature: /jwm/     Date: 05/22/2014
Signatory's Name: John W. McGlynn
Signatory's Position: Attorney for Applicant, DE bar member

The signatory has confirmed that he/she is an attorney who is a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a U.S. state, which includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other federal territories and possessions; and he/she is currently the applicant's attorney or an associate thereof; and to the best of his/her knowledge, if prior to his/her appointment another U.S. attorney or a Canadian attorney/agent not currently associated with his/her company/firm previously represented the applicant in this matter: (1) the applicant has filed or is concurrently filing a signed revocation of or substitute power of attorney with the USPTO; (2) the USPTO has granted the request of the prior representative to withdraw; (3) the applicant has filed a power of attorney appointing him/her in this matter; or (4) the applicant's appointed U.S. attorney or Canadian attorney/agent has filed a power of attorney appointing him/her as an associate attorney in this matter.

        
Serial Number: 86068891
Internet Transmission Date: Thu May 22 08:30:53 EDT 2014
TEAS Stamp: USPTO/ROA-XX.XXX.XXX.XXX-201405220830535
07567-86068891-500e50868e57701b3cd369b83
9aea2947673b3dfd0736bc48af7bfe7e27c5e5-N
/A-N/A-20140522081354637200


Response to Office Action [image/jpeg]

Response to Office Action [image/jpeg]

Response to Office Action [image/jpeg]

Response to Office Action [image/jpeg]


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