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

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: 5/8/2015

 

 

 

 

 

TEAS PLUS OR TEAS REDUCED FEE (TEAS RF) APPLICANTS – TO MAINTAIN LOWER FEE, ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET, INCLUDING SUBMITTING DOCUMENTS ONLINE:  Applicants who filed their application online using the lower-fee TEAS Plus or TEAS RF application form must (1) file certain documents online using TEAS, including responses to Office actions (see TMEP §§819.02(b), 820.02(b) for a complete list of these documents); (2) maintain a valid e-mail correspondence address; and (3) agree to receive correspondence from the USPTO by e-mail throughout the prosecution of the application.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.22(b), 2.23(b); TMEP §§819, 820.  TEAS Plus or TEAS RF applicants who do not meet these requirements must submit an additional processing fee of $50 per international class of goods and/or services.  37 C.F.R. §§2.6(a)(1)(v), 2.22(c), 2.23(c); TMEP §§819.04, 820.04.  However, in certain situations, TEAS Plus or TEAS RF applicants may respond to an Office action by authorizing an examiner’s amendment by telephone without incurring this additional fee. 

 

 

SECTION 2(d) REFUSAL – LIKELIHOOD OF CONFUSION-CLASSES 005, 006, AND 040

 

Registration of the applied-for mark for Classes 005, 006, and 040 is refused because of a likelihood of confusion with the marks in U.S. Registration Nos. 4316489, 2363308, 3435834, and 1635747.  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 a potential consumer would be confused, 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).  A determination of likelihood of confusion under Section 2(d) is made on a case-by case basis and the factors set forth in In re E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 476 F.2d 1357, 177 USPQ 563 (C.C.P.A. 1973) aid in this determination.  Citigroup Inc. v. Capital City Bank Grp., Inc., 637 F.3d 1344, 1349, 98 USPQ2d 1253, 1256 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (citing On-Line Careline, Inc. v. Am. Online, Inc., 229 F.3d 1080, 1085, 56 USPQ2d 1471, 1474 (Fed. Cir. 2000)).  Not all the du Pont factors, however, are necessarily relevant or of equal weight, and any one of the factors may control in a given case, depending upon the evidence of record.  Citigroup Inc. v. Capital City Bank Grp., Inc., 637 F.3d at 1355, 98 USPQ2d at 1260; In re Majestic Distilling Co., 315 F.3d 1311, 1315, 65 USPQ2d 1201, 1204 (Fed. Cir. 2003); see In re E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 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 and nature of the goods and/or services, and similarity of the trade channels of the goods and/or services.  See In re Viterra Inc., 671 F.3d 1358, 1361-62, 101 USPQ2d 1905, 1908 (Fed. Cir. 2012); In re Dakin’s Miniatures Inc., 59 USPQ2d 1593, 1595-96 (TTAB 1999); TMEP §§1207.01 et seq.

 

The Trademark Act not only guards against the misimpression that the senior user is the source of the junior user’s goods and/or services, but it also protects against “reverse confusion,” that is, the junior user is the source of the senior user’s goods and/or services.  In re Shell Oil Co., 992 F.2d 1204, 1208, 26 USPQ2d 1687, 1690 (Fed. Cir. 1993); Fisons Horticulture, Inc. v. Vigoro Indust., Inc., 30 F.3d 466, 474-75, 31 USPQ2d 1592, 1597-98 (3d Cir. 1994); Banff, Ltd. v. Federated Dep’t Stores, Inc., 841 F.2d 486, 490-91, 6 USPQ2d 1187, 1190-91 (2d Cir. 1988).

 

COMPARISON OF THE MARKS

 

Marks are compared in their entireties for similarities in appearance, sound, connotation, and commercial impression.  Stone Lion Capital Partners, LP v. Lion Capital LLP, 746 F.3d 1317, 1321, 110 USPQ2d 1157, 1160 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (quoting Palm Bay Imps., Inc. v. Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Maison Fondee En 1772, 396 F. 3d 1369, 1371, 73 USPQ2d 1689, 1691 (Fed. Cir. 2005)); TMEP §1207.01(b)-(b)(v).  “Similarity in any one of these elements may be sufficient to find the marks confusingly similar.”  In re Davia, 110 USPQ2d 1810, 1812 (TTAB 2014) (citing In re White Swan Ltd., 8 USPQ2d 1534, 1535 (TTAB 1988); In re 1st USA Realty Prof’ls, Inc., 84 USPQ2d 1581, 1586 (TTAB 2007)); TMEP §1207.01(b).

 

Applicant’s mark is SIGNATURE CARE.

Registrants’ marks are:  KIRKLAND SIGNATURE with design (Reg. No. 4316489); KIRKLAND SIGNATURE (Reg. No. 2363308); KIRKLAND SIGNATURE (Reg. No. 3435834); SIGNATURE COLOR with “COLOR” disclaimed (Reg. No. 1635747).

 

The dominant portion of all the marks is “SIGNATURE.”  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).  Greater weight is often given to this dominant feature when determining whether marks are confusingly similar.  See In re Nat’l Data Corp., 753 F.2d at 1058, 224 USPQ at 751.

 

The dominant portion of all the marks is identical in appearance, sound, meaning, and commercial impression.  The marks are sufficiently similar to find a likelihood of confusion.

 

COMPARISON OF THE GOODS/SERVICES

 

The goods and/or services of the parties need not be identical or even competitive to find a likelihood of confusion.  See On-line Careline Inc. v. Am. Online Inc., 229 F.3d 1080, 1086, 56 USPQ2d 1471, 1475 (Fed. Cir. 2000); Recot, Inc. v. Becton, 214 F.3d 1322, 1329, 54 USPQ2d 1894, 1898 (Fed. Cir. 2000) (“[E]ven if the goods in question are different from, and thus not related to, one another in kind, the same goods can be related in the mind of the consuming public as to the origin of the goods.”); TMEP §1207.01(a)(i). 

 

The respective goods and/or services need only be “related in some manner and/or if the circumstances surrounding their marketing [be] such that they could give rise to the mistaken belief that [the goods and/or services] emanate from the same source.”  Coach Servs., Inc. v. Triumph Learning LLC, 668 F.3d 1356, 1369, 101 USPQ2d 1713, 1722 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (quoting 7-Eleven Inc. v. Wechsler, 83 USPQ2d 1715, 1724 (TTAB 2007)); TMEP §1207.01(a)(i).

 

Applicant’s goods/services are, in part:

 

Sanitizing wipes, all purpose disinfectant spray, disinfectant toilet bowl cleaners, advanced nutritional supplement shakes, medicated antiseptic mouthwash, antibacterial hand sanitizer gel for household use, acne treatment preparations, medicated acne treatment cream, dietary supplements, food supplement containing vitamins in tablet form, vitamins, multivitamins for men and women, children's chewable vitamins, children's multivitamins, aspirin, children's aspirin, junior aspirin, liquid aspirin for babies, ibuprofen, children's ibuprofen, infant ibuprofen, pain relief medication, non-aspirin pain relief medication in liquid, gel cap and/or tab forms, chewable non-aspirin pain relief medication, menstrual symptom treatment preparations, sleep aids, namely, sleeping pills, central nervous system stimulant tablets, nicotine patches for smoking cessation, preparations for treating colds and coughs in liquid, gel capsule and tablet forms, cough syrups, night time cough syrups, decongestants, day/night flu medicine in liquid, gel capsule and tablet forms, severe cold and flu medicine in capsules, severe cold and flu preparations, allergy relief tablets and gel capsules, antihistamine relief preparations, medicines for the treatment of sore throats in liquid and spray form, decongestant nasal sprays, antacid tablets and liquids, gastro-intestinal treatment preparations, acid reducers, namely, antacids, laxatives, ready to use enema preparations, diarrhea medication in capsule, fiber laxatives, pharmaceutical preparations, namely, liquid magnesia for the treatment of upset stomach, mineral oil for medical use, hemorrhoid treatment pads and ointments, eye drops, relief eye drops and lubricating eye drops; saline wash for medical purposes, medicated antifungal foot creams, cotton swabs containing alcohol for medical use, cotton swabs for medical purposes, cotton balls and squares for medical use, hydrogen peroxide for medical use, iodine, isopropyl alcohol for medical use. rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, anti-itch cream, hydrocortisone cream, antibiotic ointments and creams, medical adhesive tape, adhesive bandages, liquid bandages, petroleum jelly for medical purposes, aloe vera gel for therapeutic purposes, adult diapers, incontinence diapers, tampons, feminine hygiene pads, panty liners, medicated miconazole nitrate cream for the treatment of yeast infections, ovulation test kit, pregnancy test kit for home use, gels for use as personal lubricant, water-based personal lubricating liquid, electrolyte replacement solutions, pediatric electrolyte replacement drinks, powdered infant/baby formula, liquid infant/baby formula, medical preparations for the treatment of lactose intolerance; antihistamines, cough suppressants, fever reducers and expectorants; night time sanitary pads; citrate of magnesia; medication for the relief of nausea, indigestion and upset stomach; children's chewable aspirin; antiseptic and anti-plaque mouth rinse, anti-diarrheal medication, nasal spray preparation, sleeping tablets, throat spray preparation, vaginal cream, non-aspirin pain relief medication, hemorrhoidal treatment preparation, pregnancy test kits for home use, contact lens solution, dairy digestive supplement, and epsom salt; acne treatment preparation; rubbing alcohol ; adhesive bandages; acid reducer, namely, antacids; calamine lotion; medicated preparations, namely, hair regrowth topical solution; medicated shampoo; laxatives; Dietary supplement, namely, a lactase enzyme used to reduce or remove the lactose in milk; contact lens wetting drops; non-prescription pharmaceutical preparations for the relief of coughs and colds; toilet bowl disinfectants; non-prescription pharmaceutical preparations, namely, an anti-flatulent; nutritional supplements; non-prescription pharmaceutical preparations, namely, sleep suppressants; cough drops; witch hazel; non-prescription medical preparations, namely, antibiotic ointment; non-prescription pharmaceutical preparations, namely, allergy relief medication in International Class 005 and

 

Aluminum foil in International Class 006 and

 

Film processing and photofinishing in International Class 040.

 

Registrants’ goods/services are:  (Reg. No. 4316489): Flea and tick medications for dogs and cats; Dietary supplements; Hair growth stimulants; Contact lens solution; Nicotine gum for use as smoking cessation aid in International Class 005; (Reg. No. 2363308): Aluminum foil in International Class 006; (Reg. No. 3435834): Aluminum foil in International Class 006; (Reg. No. 1635747): photographic film developing services in International Class 040.

 

The goods/services of the applicant and registrant are directly related in the following classes:

 

Class 005: Dietary and nutritional supplements, nicotine products for smoking sensation.

 

Class 006: aluminum foil.

 

Class 040:  Film processing and photofinishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is likely that the purchasers would believe, mistakenly, that the goods/services come from a common source.  Overall, the similarities among the marks and the goods/services of the parties are so great as to create a likelihood of confusion.  The mark, “SIGNATURE CARE”, must therefore be refused.

 

PRIOR PENDING APPLICATION

 

The filing date of pending U.S. Application Serial No. 86322298 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.

 

 

 

RESPONSE TO REFUSAL

 

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

 

Applicant should also address the following:

 

 

IDENTIFICATION OF GOODS/SERVICES

 

Although Classes 001, 006, 008, 035, and 040 are acceptable, the remainder of the identification of goods classes are indefinite and must be clarified because certain goods are unspecific or are properly in different classes.  See TMEP §1402.01.  Applicant may adopt the following identification, if accurate:

 

Laundry bleach; dishwashing detergents; automatic dish washing detergents, detergent soap, laundry detergent; fabric softeners, disposable wipes impregnated with cleaning chemicals or compounds for household use, all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaner, multi surface all-purpose cleaner with vinegar, all-purpose pine cleaner, sudsy ammonia for cleaning purposes, general purpose cleaning powder, thick liquid drain opener, spray and shine shower cleaner, carpet cleaner foam, disposable wipes impregnated with cleansing compounds for use on floors, teeth whitening gel, teeth whitening strips, non-medicated mouth wash, denture cleanser, denture cleanser tabs, shampoo, bath soap, liquid hand soap, hand moisturizers, non-medicated disposable facial cleansing cloths, make-up remover, facial cream cleanser, moisturizing skin lotions, cotton puffs for cosmetic purposes, all purpose cotton swabs for personal use, cotton balls for cosmetic purposes, cotton squares for cosmetic purposes, sun block, children's sun block, aloe vera gel for cosmetic purposes, petroleum jelly for cosmetic purposes, cosmetic suntan lotions, nail polish remover, baby lotion, baby oil, massage gels other than for medical purposes, non-medicated diaper rash ointments and lotions, non-medicated antifungal foot creams, hair conditioner for use in detangling, nose strip exfoliants for skin, antibacterial soap; baby shampoo; Anti-static dryer sheets International Class 003/ and/or

 

Charcoal briquettes; charcoal fire lighting fluid; fireplace logs in International Class 004; and/or

 

Sanitizing wipes, all purpose disinfectant spray, disinfectant toilet bowl cleaners, advanced nutritional supplement shakes, medicated antiseptic mouthwash, antibacterial hand alcohol sanitizer gel for household use, acne treatment preparations, medicated acne treatment cream, dietary supplements, food supplement containing vitamins in tablet form, vitamins, multivitamins for men and women, children's chewable vitamins, children's multivitamins, aspirin, children's aspirin, junior aspirin, liquid aspirin for babies, ibuprofen, children's ibuprofen, infant ibuprofen, pain relief medication, non-aspirin pain relief medication in liquid, gel cap and/or tab forms, chewable non-aspirin pain relief medication, menstrual symptom treatment preparations, sleep aids, namely, sleeping pills, central nervous system stimulants in tablet form, transdermal patches for use in the treatment of smoking, preparations for treating colds and coughs in liquid, gel capsule and tablet forms, cough syrups, night time cough syrups, decongestants, day/night flu medicine in liquid, gel capsule and tablet forms, severe cold and flu medicine in capsules, severe cold and flu preparations, allergy relief tablets and gel capsules, antihistamine relief preparations, medicines for the treatment of sore throats in liquid and spray form, decongestant nasal sprays, antacid tablets and liquids, gastro-intestinal treatment preparations, acid reducers, namely, antacids, laxatives, ready to use enema preparations, diarrhea medication in capsule, fiber laxatives, pharmaceutical preparations, namely, liquid magnesia for the treatment of upset stomach, mineral oil for medical use, hemorrhoid treatment pads and ointments, eye drops, relief eye drops and lubricating eye drops; saline wash for medical purposes, medicated antifungal foot creams, cotton swabs containing alcohol for medical use, cotton swabs for medical purposes, cotton balls and squares for medical use, hydrogen peroxide for medical use, iodine, isopropyl alcohol for medical use, rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, anti-itch cream, hydrocortisone cream, antibiotic ointments and creams, medical adhesive tape, adhesive bandages,  antiseptic liquid bandages, petroleum jelly for medical purposes, aloe vera gel for therapeutic purposes, adult diapers, incontinence diapers, tampons, feminine hygiene pads, panty liners, medicated miconazole nitrate cream for the treatment of yeast infections, ovulation test kit, pregnancy test kit for home use, gels for use as personal lubricant, water-based personal lubricant, electrolyte replacement solutions, pediatric electrolyte replacement drinks for medical purposes, powdered infant/baby formula, liquid infant/baby formula, medical preparations for the treatment of lactose intolerance; antihistamines, cough suppressants, fever reducers and expectorants; night time sanitary pads;  laxatives, namely, citrate of magnesia; medication for the relief of nausea, indigestion and upset stomach; children's chewable aspirin; antiseptic and anti-plaque mouth rinse, anti-diarrheal medication, nasal spray preparation, sleeping tablets, throat spray preparation, antifungal vaginal creams for medical use, non-aspirin pain relief medication, hemorrhoid treatment preparation, pregnancy test kits for home use, contact lens solution, digestives for pharmaceutical purposes, and epsom salts; acne treatment preparation; rubbing alcohol; adhesive bandages; acid reducer, namely, antacids; calamine lotion; medicated preparations, namely, hair regrowth topical solution; medicated shampoo; laxatives; Dietary supplement, namely, a lactase enzyme used to reduce or remove the lactose in milk; contact lens wetting drops; non-prescription pharmaceutical preparations for the relief of coughs and colds; toilet bowl disinfectants; non-prescription pharmaceutical preparations, namely, an anti-flatulent; nutritional supplements; non-prescription pharmaceutical preparations, namely, sleep suppressants; cough drops; witch hazel; non-prescription medical preparations, namely, antibiotic ointment; non-prescription pharmaceutical preparations, namely, allergy relief medication in International Class 005; and/or

 

Vacuum cleaner bags in International Class 007; and/or

 

Wax paper, plastic wrap, plastic food storage bags for household use; general purpose plastic bags, lunch and sandwich bags; paper napkins, paper towels; trash bags; bathroom tissue, tissue paper, toilet tissue; paper coffee filters in International Class 016; and/or

 

Cake molds and pans; paper, plastic and foam cups, dishes and bowls, scouring sponges, cleaning sponges, household rubber/latex gloves for general use, hypo vinyl household gloves for general household use, disposable dusting cloths, cleaning mitts of fabric, tooth brushes, dental floss, nylon mesh body cleansing bath sponges, cotton balls; mop refills, dental floss, drinking straws in International Class 021; and/or

 

Processed nuts, snack mix consisting primarily of processed fruits and nuts; jellies, peanut butter, fruit preserves, jams, marmalade; flaked and shredded coconut; non-dairy coffee creamers; cheese, cheese in aerosol dispensers; applesauce, cranberry sauce; canned whole and diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste and sauce; vegetable shortening; no-stick cooking oil and vegetable-based cooking and baking oil in spray dispensers; vegetable protein bits having a bacon flavor; processed beans, namely, black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, green beans, refried beans; canned pork and beans; soup, soup broths, namely, chicken and beef; potatoes, namely, processed potatoes, hash brown potatoes, frozen French fried potatoes, and vegetables; frozen fruit and vegetables; frozen, canned and bottled cut fruit and vegetables; bagged, canned or bottled vegetables, dried vegetables; processed water chestnuts; garden salads, fruit salads; instant potatoes, mashed potatoes, potato-based snack foods; sauerkraut; pickles; processed fruits -based snack foods; hamburgers, chili; onion rings; corned beef; poultry; meat; bacon strips; seasoned meat, seafood, fish, poultry, or vegetables; canned tuna, canola oil, vegetable oil, processed edamame; canned fruit, canned salmon, canned vegetables, apple sauce, non-dairy creamer, processed tomatoes, processed potatoes, namely hash brown patties and french fries, processed chopped and/or sliced vegetables; flavored broth; processed beans; canned corned beef; frozen and/or canned prepared meals consisting primarily of meats and/or vegetables; roasted shelled processed nuts; processed olives; pickles; sauerkraut; vegetable oil; dairy whipped topping; vegetable oil cooking spray; processed vegetables, namely, frozen or canned; canned tuna and candied fruit snacks; dried beans, edible cooking oil, Parmesan cheese; grated parmesan and romano cheese; fruit preserves, marmalades, and jams; canned tomatoes; vegetable shortening; canned chili with beans, processed sunflower seeds in International Class 029; and/or

 

Semi-sweet chocolate baking chips; candies; relish; macaroni and cheese dinners; cold breakfast cereal, muesli; hot breakfast cereal; hominy; instant oatmeal; cocoa; rice-based, cereal-based, granola-based, potato-based, corn-based, candy-based and grain-based snack food and snack bars; soft pretzels; bread, hamburger rolls, hot dog rolls, bagels, English muffins, bread crumbs, stuffing mixes containing bread; brownies and brownie mix; croissants; waffles; pancakes; croutons; corn starch for food; cakes, cake dough and mixes; candy cake decorations; cookies; graham crackers; chocolate candies; pastries; puddings and instant puddings; cheesecake; marshmallows; flavored and sweetened gelatins; confectionery chips for baking; pie crusts; crackers; pretzels, pretzel sticks; cheese flavored puffed corn snacks; cheese flavored snacks, namely, cheese curls; corn tortilla chips; microwave popcorn; salt; vinegars, namely, flavored, balsamic and white distilled vinegars; salad dressings; pure olive oil and extra virgin olive oil; honey; mustard; ketchup; mayonnaise; sauces, namely, sauces for barbecued meat, barbeque sauce, Worcestershire sauce, marinades, cocktail, picante and pepper sauces; capers; Sloppy Joe sauce; steak, soy, and taco sauce; chocolate syrup; tea, beverages made of tea; coffee and instant coffee, flavored coffee; frozen confections, flour; sugar and sugar substitutes; seasoned coating mixtures for foods; gravy; noodles, chow mein noodles; noodles and sauce mixes combined in unitary packages; noodles, sauce, and processed vegetables combined in unitary packages; processed corn; corn meal; tacos and taco shells; garlic bread and toast; rice, rice-based snack foods; macaroni and cheese; macaroni salad; pasta; prepared pasta, namely, ravioli, tortellini; pasta and tomato sauces, namely, marinara sauce, mushroom sauce, and meat sauces; pizza; salsa. hamburger sandwiches; sandwiches; relish-based sandwich spread; corn flakes; raisin bran breakfast cereal; rice and seasoning mix combined in unitary packages; cake mixes, croutons, macaroni and cheese, marshmallows, pretzels, processed cereals, seasoned coating mix for meat and poultry, stuffing mix containing bread, table syrup, pudding; cones for ice cream, cookies, flour, food starch, frozen cookie dough, granola-based snack bars, gravy mix, pasta, rice, seasonings, sugar, table salt, taco shells, frozen pizza, snack crackers, chow mein noodles, rice cakes, canned prepared meals consisting primarily of pasta and served with cheese; refrigerated dough; extracts used as flavorings; canned gravy; bread; bakery products, namely, fruit pies, pies filled with pudding and cream pies, buns and breads; spices; chocolate chips; frozen confections; honey; bread crumbs; hot cocoa mix; corn-based snack foods, namely, tortilla chips; pickle relish; pancake mix; tea and edible cake decorations, unpopped popcorn in International Class 030; and/or

 

Fresh fruit and vegetables, unprocessed fruit, vegetables and nuts; pet foods-namely, canned, dry and semi-moist cat and dog foods in International Class 031; and/or

 

Fruit-flavored drinks and juices, namely, cranberry, non-alcoholic cranberry cocktail, apple juice, orange juice, grape juice, lemonade, lime, pineapple, grapefruit, prune, tomato, berry punch, fruit punch; apple cider; soda pop, mixes for preparing non-alcoholic drinks, namely, tonic water, seltzer water and soda, drinking water; sparkling water and flavored sparkling water; seltzer water and flavored seltzer water; soft drinks; fruit drinks, fruit juices and vegetable juices, namely, apricot nectar, apple juice, cranberry juice cocktail, grape juice cocktail, lemon juice, lemonade and tomato juice in International Class 032.

 

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

 

For assistance with identifying and classifying goods and 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.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER REQUIRED

 

Applicant must disclaim the wording “CARE” because it merely describes an ingredient, quality, characteristic, function, feature, purpose, or use of applicant’s goods and/or services, and thus is an unregistrable component of the mark.  See 15 U.S.C. §§1052(e)(1), 1056(a); DuoProSS Meditech Corp. v. Inviro Med. Devices, Ltd., 695 F.3d 1247, 1251, 103 USPQ2d 1753, 1755 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (quoting In re Oppedahl & Larson LLP, 373 F.3d 1171, 1173, 71 USPQ2d 1370, 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2004)); TMEP §§1213, 1213.03(a). 

 

The attached evidence from Merriam Webster Dictionary shows this wording means: “things that are done to keep someone healthy, safe, etc.”  See attached definition. Therefore, the wording merely describes the applicant’s goods in Class 003 and 005, personal care goods, and thus the wording must be disclaimed.

 

An applicant may not claim exclusive rights to terms that others may need to use to describe their goods and/or services in the marketplace.  See Dena Corp. v. Belvedere Int’l, Inc., 950 F.2d 1555, 1560, 21 USPQ2d 1047, 1051 (Fed. Cir. 1991); In re Aug. Storck KG, 218 USPQ 823, 825 (TTAB 1983).  A disclaimer of unregistrable matter does not affect the appearance of the mark; that is, a disclaimer does not physically remove the disclaimed matter from the mark.  See Schwarzkopf v. John H. Breck, Inc., 340 F.2d 978, 978, 144 USPQ 433, 433 (C.C.P.A. 1965); TMEP §1213. 

 

If applicant does not provide the required disclaimer, the USPTO may refuse to register the entire mark.  See In re Stereotaxis Inc., 429 F.3d 1039, 1040-41, 77 USPQ2d 1087, 1088-89 (Fed. Cir. 2005); TMEP §1213.01(b).

 

Applicant should submit a disclaimer in the following standardized format:

 

No claim is made to the exclusive right to use “CARE” apart from the mark as shown.

 

For an overview of disclaimers and instructions on how to satisfy this disclaimer requirement online using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) form, please go to http://www.gov.uspto.report/trademarks/law/disclaimer.jsp.

 

 

 

/Timothy J. Finnegan/

Examining Attorney

Law Office 104

571-272-9710

timothy.finnegan@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 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.

 

 

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE (USPTO)

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING YOUR

U.S. TRADEMARK APPLICATION

 

USPTO OFFICE ACTION (OFFICIAL LETTER) HAS ISSUED

ON 5/8/2015 FOR U.S. APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 86531375

 

Please follow the instructions below:

 

(1)  TO READ THE LETTER:  Click on this link or go to http://tsdr.uspto.gov,enter the U.S. application serial number, and click on “Documents.”

 

The Office action may not be immediately viewable, to allow for necessary system updates of the application, but will be available within 24 hours of this e-mail notification.

 

(2)  TIMELY RESPONSE IS REQUIRED:  Please carefully review the Office action to determine (1) how to respond, and (2) the applicable response time period.  Your response deadline will be calculated from 5/8/2015 (or sooner if specified in the Office action).  For information regarding response time periods, see http://www.gov.uspto.report/trademarks/process/status/responsetime.jsp.

 

Do NOT hit “Reply” to this e-mail notification, or otherwise e-mail your response because the USPTO does NOT accept e-mails as responses to Office actions.  Instead, the USPTO recommends that you respond online using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) response form located at http://www.gov.uspto.report/trademarks/teas/response_forms.jsp.

 

(3)  QUESTIONS:  For questions about the contents of the Office action itself, please contact the assigned trademark examining attorney.  For technical assistance in accessing or viewing the Office action in the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system, please e-mail TSDR@uspto.gov.

 

WARNING

 

Failure to file the required response by the applicable response deadline will result in the ABANDONMENT of your application.  For more information regarding abandonment, see http://www.gov.uspto.report/trademarks/basics/abandon.jsp.

 

PRIVATE COMPANY SOLICITATIONS REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION:  Private companies not associated with the USPTO are using information provided in trademark applications to mail or e-mail trademark-related solicitations.  These companies often use names that closely resemble the USPTO and their solicitations may look like an official government document.  Many solicitations require that you pay “fees.” 

 

Please carefully review all correspondence you receive regarding this application to make sure that you are responding to an official document from the USPTO rather than a private company solicitation.  All official USPTO correspondence will be mailed only from the “United States Patent and Trademark Office” in Alexandria, VA; or sent by e-mail from the domain “@uspto.gov.”  For more information on how to handle private company solicitations, see http://www.gov.uspto.report/trademarks/solicitation_warnings.jsp.