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.  A RESPONSE TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE TRADEMARK ELECTRONIC APPLICATION SYSTEM (TEAS) MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE MIDNIGHT EASTERN TIME OF THE LAST DAY OF THE RESPONSE PERIOD.

 

 

ISSUE/MAILING DATE: 10/22/2018

 

 

 

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.

 

NO CONFLICTING REGISTERED MARKS

 

The trademark examining attorney has searched the Office’s database of registered and pending marks and has found no similar registered mark that would bar registration under Trademark Act Section 2(d).  TMEP §704.02; see 15 U.S.C. §1052(d).  However, a mark in a prior-filed pending application may present a bar to registration of applicant’s mark.

 

APPLICATION NOT ENTITLED TO REGISTER-

THREE PENDING APPLICATIONS WITH EARLIER EFFECTIVE FILING DATE

 

The effective filing dates of pending U.S. Application Serial Nos. 88078813, 88078815, and 88078817 precede applicant’s filing date.  See attached referenced applications.  If one or more of the marks in the referenced applications register, applicant’s mark may be refused registration under Trademark Act Section 2(d) because of a likelihood of confusion with the registered mark(s).  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 applications.

 

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 marks in the referenced applications.  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.

 

 

PRIMARILY MERELY A SURNAME

 

 

Registration is refused because the applied-for mark is primarily merely a surname.  Trademark Act Section 2(e)(4), 15 U.S.C. §1052(e)(4); see TMEP §1211. 

 

An applicant’s mark is primarily merely a surname if the surname “‘is the primary significance of the mark as a whole to the purchasing public.’”  Earnhardt v. Kerry Earnhardt, Inc., 864 F.3d 1374, 1377, 123 USPQ2d 1411, 1413 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (quoting In re Hutchinson Tech. Inc., 852 F.2d 552, 554, 7 USPQ2d 1490, 1492 (Fed. Cir. 1988)); TMEP §1211.01.

 

 

In re Eximius Coffee, LLC, 120 USPQ2d 1276, 1278 & n.2, 1282-83 (TTAB 2016) (citing In re Benthin Mgmt. GmbH, 37 USPQ2d 1332, 1333-34 (TTAB 1995) for the Benthin inquiries/factors); TMEP §1211.01; see also In re Etablissements Darty et Fils, 759 F.2d 15, 16-18, 225 USPQ 652, 653 (Fed. Cir. 1985). 

 

These inquiries are not exclusive, and any of these circumstances – singly or in combination – and any other relevant circumstances may be considered when making this determination.  In re Eximius Coffee, LLC, 120 USPQ2d at 1277-78; TMEP §1211.01.  For example, when the applied-for mark is not stylized, it is unnecessary to consider the fifth inquiry.  In re Yeley, 85 USPQ2d 1150, 1151 (TTAB 2007); TMEP §1211.01.

 

Please see the attached evidence from LEXISNEXIS®, establishing the surname significance of “MONZO”.  This evidence shows the applied-for mark appearing 883 times as a surname in the LEXISNEXIS® surname database, which is a weekly updated directory of cell phone and other phone numbers (such as voice over IP) from various data providers.  The Examiner finds no evidence of the meaning or significance of the word MONZO other than that of a surname.  See evidence at the end of this Action showing the search findings for the word.

 

A mark deemed primarily merely a surname may be registered on the Principal Register under Trademark Act Section 2(f) based on a claim of acquired distinctiveness.  See 15 U.S.C. §1052(f); 37 C.F.R. §2.41(a); TMEP §§1211, 1212.  Applicant may respond by asserting a claim of acquired distinctiveness based on one or more of the following:

 

The applicant may respond by amending the application to seek registration on the Supplemental Register.  See 15 U.S.C. §1091; 37 C.F.R. §§2.47, 2.75(a).

 

Supplemental Register

 

The applied-for mark has been refused registration on the Principal Register.  Applicant may respond to the refusal by submitting evidence and arguments in support of registration and/or by amending the application to seek registration on the Supplemental Register.  See 15 U.S.C. §1091; 37 C.F.R. §§2.47, 2.75(a); TMEP §§801.02(b), 816.  Amending to the Supplemental Register does not preclude applicant from submitting evidence and arguments against the refusal(s).

 

Although registration on the Supplemental Register does not afford all the benefits of registration on the Principal Register, it does provide the following advantages to the registrant:

 

(1)       Use of the registration symbol ® with the registered mark in connection with the designated goods and/or services, which provides public notice of the registration and potentially deters third parties from using confusingly similar marks.

 

(2)       Inclusion of the registered mark in the USPTO’s database of registered and pending marks, which will (a) make it easier for third parties to find it in trademark search reports, (b) provide public notice of the registration, and thus (c) potentially deter third parties from using confusingly similar marks.

 

(3)       Use of the registration by a USPTO trademark examining attorney as a bar to registering confusingly similar marks in applications filed by third parties.

 

(4)       Use of the registration as a basis to bring suit for trademark infringement in federal court, which, although more costly than state court, means judges with more trademark experience, often faster adjudications, and the opportunity to seek an injunction, actual damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

(5)       Use of the registration as a filing basis for a trademark application for registration in certain foreign countries, in accordance with international treaties.

 

See 15 U.S.C. §§1052(d), 1091, 1094; J. Thomas McCarthy, McCarthy on Trademarks & Unfair Competition §§19:33, 19:37 (rev. 4th ed. Supp. 2017).

 

 

 

Note:  The acronym “TMEP” used in official USPTO letters and notices refers to the USPTO’s Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure, a manual written by USPTO staff attorneys that explains the laws and procedures governing the trademark application, registration, and post-registration processes.  The USPTO updates the TMEP periodically to reflect changes in law, policy, and procedure and notes each new version by the month and year it issues.  The current version of the TMEP is available online at http://www.gov.uspto.report/trademarks/resources/index.jsp. 

 

RESPONSE

 

There is no required format or form for responding to an Office action.  The Office recommends applicants use the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) to respond to Office actions online at http://www.gov.uspto.report/teas/index.html.  If applicant responds on paper via regular mail, the response should include the title “Response to Office Action” and the following information:  (1) the name and law office number of the examining attorney, (2) the serial number and filing date of the application, (3) the date of issuance of this Office action, (4) applicant’s name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (if applicable), and (5) the mark.  37 C.F.R. §2.194(b)(1); TMEP §302.03(a).

 

In the response, applicant should explicitly address each refusal and/or requirement raised in the Office action.  If a refusal has issued, applicant may wish to argue against the refusal, i.e., submit arguments and/or evidence as to why the refusal should be withdrawn and why the mark should register.  To respond to requirements, applicant should set forth in writing the required changes or statements. 

 

Instructions for signing responses are provided below.

 

Because of the legal technicalities and strict deadlines involved in the USPTO application process, applicant may wish to hire a private attorney specializing in trademark matters to represent applicant in this process and provide legal advice.  Although the undersigned trademark examining attorney is permitted to help an applicant understand the contents of an Office action as well as the application process in general, no USPTO attorney or staff is permitted to give an applicant legal advice or statements about an applicant’s legal rights.  TMEP §§705.02, 709.06. 

 

For attorney referral information, applicant may consult the American Bar Association’s Consumers’ Guide to Legal Help; an online directory of legal professionals, such as FindLaw®; or a local telephone directory.  The USPTO, however, may not assist an applicant in the selection of a private attorney.  37 C.F.R. §2.11.

 

If the applicant has any questions or needs assistance in responding to this Office action, please telephone the assigned examining attorney.

 

 

 

 

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 $125 per 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 or e-mail without incurring this additional fee.  

 

 

 

/Linda A. Powell/

Linda A. Powell

Examining Attorney, L.O. 106

United States Patent and Trademark Office

571-272-9327

linda.powelll@uspto.go

 

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.

 

 

 

   

Search:	Public Records : Surname
Terms:	last-name(monzo) maxresults(500)

  

  

 

 

 

Total number found: 883
No.	Name	Address	Phone
1.	MONZO, A	AUBURN, WA 98001	206-578-0882
2.	MONZO, A	FORT WASHINGTON, PA 19034	215-303-3202
3.	MONZO, A	FORT WASHINGTON, PA 19034	215-626-8764
4.	MONZO, A	MERCER ISLAND, WA 98040	206-535-4718
5.	MONZO, AARON	17040 E 11 MILE APT B0008 ROSEVILLE, MI 48066-5102	586-296-2066
6.	MONZO, AARON E SR	2251 MEURS SW WYOMING, MI 49519-1739	616-724-2549
7.	MONZO, AARON	1863 PARKCREST SW APT 8 WYOMING, MI 49519-9363	616-550-5917
8.	MONZO, AARON K	7742 SOMERSET BAY APT B INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240-3331	586-296-2066
9.	MONZO, ADA	2304 SW 58TH MIAMI, FL 33155-2213	305-332-8060
10.	MONZO, ADA	KENDALL, FL 33176	786-351-2901
11.	MONZO, ADALBERTO	NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91605	818-738-6400
12.	MONZO, ADAM	3577 CHEMIN DE RIVIERE SAN JOSE, CA 95148-4300	408-637-3975
13.	MONZO, ADAM	15625 FRENCH FRASER, MI 48026-5219	586-943-8370
14.	MONZO, ADAM M	38300 HIBROW ST CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI 48036-4210	586-477-1185
15.	MONZO, ADELA	MIAMI, FL 33176	305-799-1839
16.	MONZO, ADRIANA	9279 FIRGROVE SACRAMENTO, CA 95826-5412	916-501-1588
17.	MONZO, ADRIANE	ORANGE, CA 92865	714-685-1955
18.	MONZO, ALAN	23 SHELLY SICKLERVILLE, NJ 08081-4950	856-905-9583
19.	MONZO, ALAN	WEST CHESTER, PA 19382	610-836-2437
20.	MONZO, ALEXANDRA	175 LA COSTA DR BLACKWOOD, NJ 08012-5546	856-245-7267
21.	MONZO, ALEXIS M	1310 LUEHM AVE NORTH VERSAILLES, PA 15137-2625	412-823-6232
22.	MONZO, ALPHONZO	3672 STIMSON RD NORTON, OH 44203-6442	330-666-1273
23.	MONZO, ALVAN F	3 SHIAWASSEE GLENWOOD, NJ 07418-1042	201-875-6685
24.	MONZO, ALVAN F	3 SHIAWASSEE DR GLENWOOD, NJ 07418-1042	973-764-4876
25.	MONZO, ALVIN F	12 PHLOX GLENWOOD, NJ 07418-1655	973-764-4852
26.	MONZO, AMALIA	2042 LEWIS HERCULES, CA 94547-5438	510-388-4854
27.	MONZO, AMANDA	1219 MINNESOTA LOT 153 PORT HURON, MI 48060-7039	810-364-2566
28.	MONZO, AMANDA L	1219 MINNIE ST PORT HURON, MI 48060-6266	810-488-7040
29.	MONZO, AMERICO H	11 KNOLLWOOD TOTOWA, NJ 07512-1907	973-931-3800
30.	MONZO, AMY	24 CHERRY GROVE SICKLERVILLE, NJ 08081-3060	609-402-6202
31.	MONZO, AMY	439 SCHOOL WOODBRIDGE, NJ 07095-2925	908-419-1305
32.	MONZO, AMY	SEWELL, NJ 08080	856-725-2597
33.	MONZO, ANABEL M	9449 BRIAR FOREST HOUSTON, TX 77063-1000	832-816-7819
34.	MONZO, ANDREA	5052 E 10TH HIALEAH, FL 33013-1728	305-469-1805
35.	MONZO, ANDREA K	MARYSVILLE, MI 48040	810-434-3977
36.	MONZO, ANDREA	PACIFICA, CA 94044	650-290-0147
37.	MONZO, ANDREA L	PERRINE, FL 33130	305-281-4204
38.	MONZO, ANDREA	SOUTHFIELD, MI 48075	810-937-6562
39.	MONZO, ANDREW	8 EAGLE RD BLACKWOOD, NJ 08012-2111	856-582-9243
40.	MONZO, ANDREW	236 RIDGEWOOD RD SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064-3237
41.	MONZO, ANDREW S	7296 SPARLING KIMBALL, MI 48074-1611	810-367-6189
42.	MONZO, ANDREW	MARYSVILLE, MI 48040	810-858-2919
43.	MONZO, ANDREW	PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102	267-271-0420
44.	MONZO, ANDREW	PHILADELPHIA, PA 19146	267-324-8866
45.	MONZO, ANGELA	1101 GINGER MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054-4901	215-482-5298
46.	MONZO, ANGELA M	1933 HARVEY KIMBALL, MI 48074-2711	810-966-2466
47.	MONZO, ANGELA	MARYSVILLE, MI 48040	810-858-1994
48.	MONZO, ANGELA	MARYSVILLE, MI 48040	810-956-0739
49.	MONZO, ANGELA	MARYSVILLE, MI 48040	810-956-0940
50.	MONZO, ANGELA	SOUTHFIELD, MI 48075	810-956-0739

 

 

 

 

 

Search:	Public Records: Surname
Terms:	last-name(monzo) maxresults(500)
Date/Time:	Monday, October 22, 2018 4:13 PM
Permissible Use:	Your DPPA Permissible Use: I have no permissible use                  Your GLBA Permissible Use: I have no permissible use

 

 

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