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: 3/18/2019

 

 

THIS IS A FINAL ACTION.

 

This Office action is in response to applicant’s communication filed on February 21, 2019.

 

In a previous Office action dated November 29, 2018, registration was refused based on Section 2(d) of the Trademark Act for a likelihood of confusion with a registered mark. Applicant was also required to clarify the identification of goods. Applicant responded by submitting arguments and evidence against the refusal and clarifying the identification of goods. The identification requirement has been satisfied.

 

The trademark examining attorney maintains and now makes FINAL the refusals in the summary of issues below.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.63(b); TMEP §714.04.

 

 

SUMMARY OF ISSUES MADE FINAL that applicant must address:

• Section 2(d) Refusal—Likelihood of Confusion

 

 

SECTION 2(d) REFUSAL—LIKELIHOOD OF CONFUSION

 

Registration of the applied-for mark is refused because of a likelihood of confusion with the marks in U.S. Registration Nos. 3132475 (the “Leber Mark”) and Reg. Nos. 4423437, 5127770, and 5127827 (the “Earthwise Marks”). Trademark Act Section 2(d), 15 U.S.C. §1052(d); see TMEP §§1207.01 et seq.  See the previously attached registrations. This refusal is now made FINAL.

 

Trademark Act Section 2(d) bars registration of an applied-for mark that is so similar to a registered mark that it is likely consumers would be confused, mistaken, or deceived as to the commercial source of the goods of the parties.  See 15 U.S.C. §1052(d).  Likelihood of confusion is determined on a case-by-case basis by applying the factors set forth in In re E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 476 F.2d 1357, 1361, 177 USPQ 563, 567 (C.C.P.A. 1973) (called the “du Pont factors”).  In re i.am.symbolic, llc, 866 F.3d 1315, 1322, 123 USPQ2d 1744, 1747 (Fed. Cir. 2017).  Only those factors that are “relevant and of record” need be considered.  M2 Software, Inc. v. M2 Commc’ns, Inc., 450 F.3d 1378, 1382, 78 USPQ2d 1944, 1947 (Fed. Cir. 2006) (citing Shen Mfg. Co. v. Ritz Hotel Ltd., 393 F.3d 1238, 1241, 73 USPQ2d 1350, 1353 (Fed. Cir. 2004)); see In re Inn at St. John’s, LLC, 126 USPQ2d 1742, 1744 (TTAB 2018). 

 

Although not all du Pont factors may be relevant, there are generally two key considerations in any likelihood of confusion analysis:  (1) the similarities between the compared marks and (2) the relatedness of the compared goods.  See In re i.am.symbolic, llc, 866 F.3d at 1322, 123 USPQ2d at 1747 (quoting Herbko Int’l, Inc. v. Kappa Books, Inc., 308 F.3d 1156, 1164-65, 64 USPQ2d 1375, 1380 (Fed. Cir. 2002)); Federated Foods, Inc. v. Fort Howard Paper Co.,544 F.2d 1098, 1103, 192 USPQ 24, 29 (C.C.P.A. 1976) (“The fundamental inquiry mandated by [Section] 2(d) goes to the cumulative effect of differences in the essential characteristics of the goods [or services] and differences in the marks.”); TMEP §1207.01.

 

Comparison of Marks

 

In a likelihood of confusion determination, the marks in their entireties are compared for similarities in appearance, sound, connotation, and commercial impression.  In re i.am.symbolic, llc, 866 F.3d 1315, 1323, 123 USPQ2d 1744, 1748 (Fed. Cir. 2017).

 

In the present case, applicant has applied for the mark EARTHWISE. The Leber Mark is EARTHWISE JEWELRY. The Earthwise Marks are EARTHWISE, EARTHWISE with a design element, and BE WISE EARTHWISE.

 

Marks may be confusingly similar in appearance where similar terms or phrases or similar parts of terms or phrases appear in the compared marks and create a similar overall commercial impression.  See Crocker Nat’l Bank v. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, 228 USPQ 689, 690-91 (TTAB 1986), aff’d sub nom. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce v. Wells Fargo Bank, Nat’l Ass’n, 811 F.2d 1490, 1495, 1 USPQ2d 1813, 1817 (Fed. Cir. 1987) (finding COMMCASH and COMMUNICASH confusingly similar); In re Corning Glass Works, 229 USPQ 65, 66 (TTAB 1985) (finding CONFIRM and CONFIRMCELLS confusingly similar); In re Pellerin Milnor Corp., 221 USPQ 558, 560 (TTAB 1983) (finding MILTRON and MILLTRONICS confusingly similar); TMEP §1207.01(b)(ii)-(iii).

 

Both applicant and registrants’ marks prominently feature the word EARTHWISE. Because of this, the marks as a whole are highly similar in sound and appearance. They also give off a highly similar commercial impression of wisdom and the planet Earth.

 

The fact that one of the registered marks contains a design element does not prevent confusion. When evaluating a composite mark consisting of words and a design, the word portion is normally accorded greater weight because it is likely to make a greater impression upon purchasers, be remembered by them, and be used by them to refer to or request the goods.  In re Aquitaine Wine USA, LLC, 126 USPQ2d 1181, 1184 (TTAB 2018) (citing In re Viterra Inc., 671 F.3d 1358, 1362, 101 USPQ2d 1905, 1908 (Fed. Cir. 2012)); TMEP §1207.01(c)(ii).  Thus, although marks must be compared in their entireties, the word portion is often considered the dominant feature and is accorded greater weight in determining whether marks are confusingly similar, even where the word portion has been disclaimed.  In re Viterra Inc., 671 F.3d at 1366-67, 101 USPQ2d at 1911 (citing Giant Food, Inc. v. Nation’s Foodservice, Inc., 710 F.2d 1565, 1570-71, 218 USPQ2d 390, 395 (Fed. Cir. 1983)).

Applicant argues that the marks are suggestive and, as a result, entitled to a narrower scope of protection. Applicant’s argument about the suggestiveness of the mark is circuitous and requires making inferences from extrinsic evidence of actual use in a manner that suggests that the term EARTHWISE is not a highly suggestive mark but is rather a vaguely suggestive mark that is distinctive in nature. Plus, even marks deemed “weak” or merely descriptive are still entitled to protection under Section 2(d) against the registration by a subsequent user of a similar mark for closely related goods.  TMEP §1207.01(b)(ix); see King Candy Co. v. Eunice King’s Kitchen, Inc., 496 F.2d 1400, 1401, 182 USPQ 108, 109 (C.C.P.A. 1974); In re Max Capital Grp. Ltd., 93 USPQ2d 1243, 1246 (TTAB 2010). 

Accordingly, the marks are similar for likelihood of confusion purposes.

 

Comparison of Goods

 

The goods are compared to determine whether they are similar, commercially related, or travel in the same trade channels.  See Coach Servs., Inc. v. Triumph Learning LLC, 668 F.3d 1356, 1369-71, 101 USPQ2d 1713, 1722-23 (Fed. Cir. 2012); Herbko Int’l, Inc. v. Kappa Books, Inc., 308 F.3d 1156, 1165, 64 USPQ2d 1375, 1381 (Fed. Cir. 2002); TMEP §§1207.01, 1207.01(a)(vi).

 

The compared goods 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); TMEP §1207.01(a)(i).  They need only be “related in some manner and/or if the circumstances surrounding their marketing are such that they could give rise to the mistaken belief that [the goods] 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).

 

In the present case, applicant has applied for the mark for use in connection with:

 

Class 25: Clothing, namely, hats, caps being headwear, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and shirts; footwear.

 

The Leber Mark is registered for use in connection with:

 

Class 14: Jewelry

 

The Earthwise Marks are registered for use in connection with:

 

            Class 18: All-purpose carrying bags; Tote bags; mesh shopping bags; Reusable shopping bags made of non-woven polypropylene

 

            Class 18: all-purpose reusable carrying bags

 

The previously attached internet evidence from Lorna Jane, L.L. Bean, and Yeti shows that the same source that offers all-purpose carrying bags, tote bags, and other goods like those identified by the Earthwise Marks registrant commonly also offers clothing goods like the goods listed by applicant under the same mark. The previously attached internet evidence from Go Fish, IGWT, and Anthropologie shows that the same source that offers jewelry like the goods identified by the Leber Mark registrant commonly also offers clothing goods like the goods listed by applicant under the same mark.

Applicant argues that the goods are unrelated but cites to a case where the board determined that jewelry goods and clothing goods are related. In re Finger, 2007 TTAB LEXIS 319, *8 (TTAB 2007) (“We agree that the examining attorney has shown that there is a relationship between the goods of applicant and registrant.”). Applicant also states that the evidence of record is insufficient to show relatedness of goods because it does not show entities that offer solely clothing and bags or solely clothing and jewelry. However, evidence that entities only sell the goods identified by an applicant and registrant and no other goods is not the only type of evidence that establishes that goods are related, and applicant cites no authority suggesting that such evidence is required to show relatedness.

Additionally, applicant asserts that the goods of registrants are used for “a very distinct purpose” and appears to be relying on extrinsic evidence of actual use to make this claim. The examining attorney objects to this evidence because an ex parte relatedness of goods determination is made based on the plain language of the identification of goods in the application and registration—not on extrinsic evidence of actual use.  See In re Detroit Athletic Co., 903 F.3d 1297, 1307, 128 USPQ2d 1047, 1052 (Fed. Cir. 2018) (citing In re i.am.symbolic, llc, 866 F.3d 1315, 1325, 123 USPQ2d 1744, 1749 (Fed. Cir. 2017)).  The Earthwise Marks registrant broadly identifies its bags in a manner that encompasses multiple purposes, uses, trade channels, and consumers, so applicant’s attempt to narrow the scope of registrant’s goods through extrinsic evidence and argument is inappropriate in this ex parte proceeding.

The currently attached internet evidence further shows that tote bags and all-purpose carrying bags like the goods listed by the Earthwise Marks registrant are commonly offered by the same source, under the same mark, and at the same location as clothing, headwear, and footwear goods like those identified by applicant.  http://ottocap.com/wholesale-hats/bags-totes/tote-bags.html; http://ottocap.com/wholesale-hats/caps-hats/baseball-caps/6-panels/otto-comfy-fit-garment-washed-brushed-stretchable-superior-cotton-twill-six-panel-low-profile-cap.html; http://ottocap.com/wholesale-hats/apparel/t-shirts.html; http://ottocap.com/wholesale-hats/apparel/sweatshirts.html; http://vacaystyle.com/collections/hats-bags/products/vacay-crushable-black-travel-hat; http://vacaystyle.com/collections/hats-bags/products/vacay-paradise-tote; http://www.hatattack.com/blaze-tote-neon-pink.html; http://www.hatattack.com/gigi-big-brim-blk-scarf.html; http://www.hatattack.com/velvet-baseball-cap-grey.html; http://www.theshopforward.com/collections/espwa/products/4-things-custom-tote-bag; http://www.theshopforward.com/collections/espwa/products/4-things-joy-seeker-pullover; http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/zen-tote/82302307?showProducts=&color=100&sizetype=&size=; http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/mens-camp-fleece-crew-sweatshirt/prod2030003?showProducts=&color=682&sizetype=&size=; http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/mens-resolution-short-sleeve-t-shirt/12950199?showProducts=&color=303&sizetype=&size=; http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/mens-eddie-bauer-mountain-ops-boot/91903514?showProducts=&color=122&sizetype=&size=; http://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/gifts/gifts-for-women/womens-ready-to-wear/oversize-sweatshirt-with-tiger-p-469250XJAR71230?position=12&listName=ProductGrid&categoryPath=Women/Womens-Ready-to-Wear/Womens-Sweatshirts-T-shirts; http://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/men/mens-bags/mens-totes/bee-print-soft-gg-supreme-tote-p-450950K571T8666?position=3&listName=SearchResultGridComponent&categoryPath=Men/Mens-Bags/Mens-Totes; http://www.kenzo.com/us/en/kenzo-kombo--dots--tote-bag-F952SA405F06.04.TU.html?cgid=acc-sacs-femme; http://www.kenzo.com/us/en/-i-%E2%9D%A4-kenzo-capsule--k-street-sneakers-F955SN160F84.99.40.html?cgid=acc-chaussures-homme; http://www.kenzo.com/us/en/neon-tiger-t-shirt-F955TS0394YF.99.L.html?cgid=tshirt-h; http://unitedstateofindiana.com/collections/tote-bags/products/indiana-world-tour-tote-bag-1; http://unitedstateofindiana.com/collections/womens-tees/products/pawnee-goddesses-womens-tee?variant=49685509956; http://unitedstateofindiana.com/collections/fleece-sweats/products/torch-and-stars-sweatpants-1?variant=9482341318703; http://unitedstateofindiana.com/collections/hats/products/indiana-dad-cap-royal-blue; http://store.crooked.com/products/crooked-tote-bag; http://store.crooked.com/collections/guys/products/pod-save-america-george-with-earbuds-t-shirt; http://store.crooked.com/collections/accessories/products/friend-of-the-pod-embroidered-hat; http://www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/acc_handbags/1000344162; http://www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/top_blouses-shirts/2000301654; http://www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/bottoms_sweatpants/2000307858; http://www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/top_blouses-sweatshirts-hoodies/2000316808; http://www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/shoes/2000355205; http://lapopart.com/collections/bags/products/tbsharkblack; http://lapopart.com/collections/womens-tshirt/products/ysharknamesblacks; http://lapopart.com/collections/mens-hooded-sweatshirt/products/hwoofblacks; http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tory-burch-mcgraw-leather-laptop-tote/4696730?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=devon%20sand; http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tory-burch-ines-espadrille-women/5073130?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FBrands%2FTory%20Burch%2FAll%20Tory%20Burch%2FShoes&color=perfect%20black%20%2F%20silver; http://www.michaelkors.com/bay-extra-large-logo-tote/_/R-US_30T9GYIT4B; http://www.michaelkors.com/cotton-piqu%C3%A9-t-shirt/_/R-US_CS95H635CE?color=0310; http://www.michaelkors.com/color-block-cotton-zip-up-hoodie/_/R-US_CS96KP66AW; http://www.michaelkors.com/trent-metallic-camo-high-top-sneaker/_/R-US_43S9TNFE5M; http://www.michaelkors.com/cotton-blend-bucket-hat/_/R-US_MS90B5SX36; http://www.madewell.com/the-reusable-canvas-tote-99105010622.html?source=googlePLA&noPopUp=true&srcCode=Paid_Search|Shopping_NonBrand|Google|MWGGBS00002_99105010622_1508320939_53557875290_512296478634_c_pla_online__9008182&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQjwg73kBRDVARIsAF-kEH-UbZNVzXWptB4hNsULuYHnJoQg-iEU8a29Biq4knDntsbRk-LaaQoaAlREEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds; http://www.madewell.com/bubble-sleeve-hoodie-sweatshirt-L2795.html?dwvar_L2795_color=GY0045&cgid=apparel-topstees-sweatshirts&position=1&position=1&activeChunk=0#start=1; http://www.madewell.com/women%27s-sidewalk-low-top-sneakers-in-rainbow-embroidered-canvas-L3245.html?dwvar_L3245_color=EB1846&dwvar_L3245_size=10-M&cgid=shoes-sneakers&position=1&position=1&activeChunk=0#start=1; http://www.herbivoreclothing.com/herbivore-avocado-tote.html; http://www.herbivoreclothing.com/herbivore-circle-unisex-tee.html; http://www.herbivoreclothing.com/herbivore-circle-reusable-shopping-bag.html; http://www.americanapparel.com/en/fine-jersey-leisure-shirt_2412ws?c=Lieutenant; http://www.americanapparel.com/en/tri-blend-lounge-pant_rsatr4460w?c=Athletic%20Grey; http://www.americanapparel.com/en/cotton-twill-baseball-hat_ct501w?c=White; http://www.americanapparel.com/en/mason-fleece-pullover-crewneck_hvf496w?c=Heather%20Grey; http://www.americanapparel.com/en/canvas-utility-tote_x564ws?c=Lieutenant.

 

The currently attached internet evidence also shows that jewelry like the goods listed by the Leber Mark registrant is commonly offered by the same source, under the same mark, and at the same location as clothing, headwear, and footwear goods like those identified by applicant.  http://vacaystyle.com/collections/hats-bags/products/vacay-crushable-black-travel-hat; http://vacaystyle.com/collections/jewelry/products/vacay-fringe-earrings; http://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/gifts/gifts-for-women/womens-ready-to-wear/oversize-sweatshirt-with-tiger-p-469250XJAR71230?position=12&listName=ProductGrid&categoryPath=Women/Womens-Ready-to-Wear/Womens-Sweatshirts-T-shirts; http://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/jewelry-watches/fashion-jewelry/fashion-jewelry-for-women/metal-necklace-with-crystals-p-568407J1D508064?position=3&listName=ProductGrid&categoryPath=Jewelry-Watches/Fashion-Jewelry; http://www.charmingcharlie.com/droplet-twist-hoops/CHC102946649.html?cgid=jewelry&openedfrom=Category; http://www.charmingcharlie.com/chrissy-peplum-tee/CHC102827631.html?dwvar_CHC102827631_color=501&cgid=clothing-tops&openedfrom=Category; http://www.charmingcharlie.com/leona-marled-joggers/CHC102628982.html?dwvar_CHC102628982_color=020&cgid=clothing-bottoms&openedfrom=Category; http://www.charmingcharlie.com/lucinda-burnout-hoodie/CHC102595447.html?dwvar_CHC102595447_color=410&cgid=clothing-tops-sweaters&openedfrom=Category; http://www.charmingcharlie.com/pineapple-baseball-cap/CHC102916415.html?cgid=accessories-hats&openedfrom=Category; http://www.charmingcharlie.com/kitty-cat-critter-slipper/CHC102736991.html?cgid=accessories-shoes&openedfrom=Category; http://www.myelementality.com/product-page/happy-tears-rainbow-moonstone-small-hoop-earrings; http://www.myelementality.com/product-page/zoe-embroidered-graphic-tee; http://ingodwetrustnyc.com/collections/jewelry/products/talisman-drop-necklace-red-jasper; http://ingodwetrustnyc.com/collections/womens-tops/products/yes-torres-sweatshirt-red; http://ingodwetrustnyc.com/collections/shoes/products/glove-shoe-tan; http://www.ataanamethod.com/jewlery-and-clothing/; http://www.weareallsmith.com/products/mini-gold-compass-necklace-for-men?variant=15392930988097; http://www.weareallsmith.com/collections/tshirts-for-men/products/up-before-the-enemy-short-sleeve-mens-t-shirt?variant=6858571939905; http://www.weareallsmith.com/collections/hats/products/the-gods-are-on-the-side-of-the-stronger-trucker-cap?variant=46005311379; http://www.sivanaspirit.com/collections/jewelry/products/amethyst-pendant-necklace-one-of-a-kind; http://www.sivanaspirit.com/collections/graphic-tees/products/moon-phase-short-sleeve-tee; http://www.sivanaspirit.com/collections/accessories/products/retro-om-sivana-hat; http://elevatedfaith.com/collections/wrap-bracelets; http://elevatedfaith.com/collections/christian-apparel; http://elevatedfaith.com/collections/christian-hats; http://www.shopversona.com/versona/tear-shaped-stone-bib-necklace-63284; http://www.shopversona.com/versona/leopard-sneaker-60120; http://www.shopversona.com/versona/stripe-chambray-equipment-shirt-58743; http://www.shopversona.com/versona/alabama-baseball-hat-58829; http://judson.biz/wholesale-fashion-jewelry/c/410; http://judson.biz/fear-no-evil-me-short-sleeve-boutique-graphic-tee-t-shirts-sold-pack-s-m-l-xl-cotton-polyester-brand-bella-canvas/p/158367; http://www.3daughtersjewelry.com/jewelry/; http://www.3daughtersjewelry.com/izzy-top.html; http://www.3daughtersjewelry.com/spring-footwear-tender.html; http://www.dressbarn.com/shoes-accessories/jewelry/P-10260; http://www.dressbarn.com/clothing/tops/blouses-shirts/P-10507?nav=Clothing:Tops:BlousesShirts; http://www.dressbarn.com/clothing/loungewear/P-10569?nav=Clothing:Loungewear; http://www.dressbarn.com/shoes-accessories/shoes/P-10269?nav=ShoesandAccessories:Shoes; http://www.katespade.com/products/dotty-lips-tee/NJMUA247.html; http://www.katespade.com/products/fallyn-flats/640819519609.html; http://www.katespade.com/products/confection-necklace/WBRUH225.html; http://www.katespade.com/products/bicolor-pop-sunhat/KS1001988.html; http://www.toryburch.com/delicate-logo-necklace/37419.html?cgid=accessories-jewelry&dwvar_37419_color=022; http://www.toryburch.com/ines-wedge-slide/51985.html?cgid=shoes-newarrivals&dwvar_51985_color=101; http://www.toryburch.com/patch-pocket-striped-t-shirt/57213.html?cgid=clothing-tops&dwvar_57213_color=982; http://www.ralphlauren.com/women-accessories-jewelry/modernist-flower-earrings/479734.html?cgid=women-accessories-jewelry&dwvar479734_colorname=Gold&webcat=Women%2FAccessories%2FFashion%20Jewelry#webcat=women%257Caccessories%257CFashion%2520Jewelry&start=1&cgid=women-accessories-jewelry; http://www.ralphlauren.com/men-clothing-t-shirts/color-blocked-tee---all-fits/471139-T.html?cgid=men-clothing-t-shirts&webcat=Men%2FClothing%2FT%20Shirts%20%20%20Rugbys#webcat=men%257Cclothing%257CT-Shirts%2520%2526%2520Rugbys&start=1&cgid=men-clothing-t-shirts; http://www.ralphlauren.com/men-accessories-hats-scarves-gloves/cotton-twill-baseball-cap/464092.html?cgid=men-accessories-hats-scarves-gloves&dwvar464092_colorname=White%20W%2F%20Multi%20Pp&webcat=Men%2FAccessories%2FHats%20%20Scarves%20%20%20Gloves#webcat=men%257Caccessories%257CHats%252C%2520Scarves%2520%2526%2520Gloves&start=1&cgid=men-accessories-hats-scarves-gloves; http://www.ralphlauren.com/men-clothing-hoodies-sweatshirts/double-knit-graphic-sweatshirt/468808.html?cgid=men-clothing-hoodies-sweatshirts&dwvar468808_colorname=Aviator%20Navy&webcat=Men%2FClothing%2FSweatshirts%20%20%20Sweatpants#webcat=men%257Cclothing%257CSweatshirts%2520%2526%2520Sweatpants&start=1&cgid=men-clothing-hoodies-sweatshirts; http://www.ralphlauren.com/men-clothing-hoodies-sweatshirts/double-knit-logo-pant/470709.html?cgid=men-clothing-hoodies-sweatshirts&dwvar470709_colorname=Aviator%20Navy&webcat=men%2Fclothing%2Fmen%20clothing%20hoodies%20sweatshirts#prefn1=CategoryCode&prefv1=Sweatpants&webcat=men%257Cclothing%257CSweatshirts%2520%2526%2520Sweatpants&start=1&cgid=men-clothing-hoodies-sweatshirts; http://www.ralphlauren.com/men-footwear-shoes?webcat=men-footwear-shoes.

 

Applicant and registrants’ goods are commonly offered by the same source and under the same mark, so they are considered related for likelihood of confusion purposes—especially considering the highly similar nature of the marks. Generally, the greater degree of similarity between the applied-for mark and the registered mark, the lesser the degree of similarity between the goods of the parties is required to support a finding of likelihood of confusion.  In re C.H. Hanson Co., 116 USPQ2d 1351, 1353 (TTAB 2015) (citing In re Opus One Inc., 60 USPQ2d 1812, 1815 (TTAB 2001)); In re Thor Tech, Inc., 90 USPQ2d 1634, 1636 (TTAB 2009). 

 

Third Party Registrations

 

Applicant submitted several third party registrations containing the term EARTHWISE in an attempt to argue that the marks are diluted and entitled to a narrow scope of protection. However, outside of the cited registrations, none of the third party registrations submitted showed the term used in connection with clothing, jewelry, or bags, so this evidence is irrelevant to the goods at issue in this case. Therefore, the third party registration evidence is insufficient to show that the registrants’ marks are entitled to a narrower scope of protection.

 

Conclusion

 

Because applicant and registrants’ goods are related and the marks are similar, it is likely a potential consumer would be confused as to the source of the goods of applicant and registrants.  Accordingly, the proposed mark creates a likelihood of confusion with registered marks, and registration is finally refused on the Principal Register under Section 2(d).

 

RESPONSE GUIDELINES

 

Applicant must respond within six months of the date of issuance of this final Office action or the application will be abandoned.  15 U.S.C. §1062(b); 37 C.F.R. §2.65(a).  Applicant may respond by providing one or both of the following:

 

(1)        a response filed using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) that fully satisfies all outstanding requirements and/or resolves all outstanding refusals; and/or

 

(2)        an appeal to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board filed using the Electronic System for Trademark Trials and Appeals (ESTTA) with the required filing fee of $200 per class.

 

37 C.F.R. §2.63(b)(1)-(2); TMEP §714.04; see 37 C.F.R. §2.6(a)(18); TBMP ch. 1200.

 

In certain rare circumstances, an applicant may respond by filing a petition to the Director pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §2.63(b)(2) to review procedural issues.  TMEP §714.04; see 37 C.F.R. §2.146(b); TBMP §1201.05; TMEP §1704 (explaining petitionable matters).  There is a fee required for filing a petition.  37 C.F.R. §2.6(a)(15).

 

 

ASSISTANCE

 

Please call or email the assigned trademark examining attorney with questions about this Office action.  Although the trademark examining attorney cannot provide legal advice or statements about applicant’s rights, the trademark examining attorney can provide applicant with additional explanation about the refusal(s) and/or requirement(s) in this Office action.  See TMEP §§705.02, 709.06.  Although the USPTO does not accept emails as responses to Office actions, emails can be used for informal communications and will be included in the application record.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(c), 2.191; TMEP §§304.01-.02, 709.04-.05. 

 

 

 

 

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.  

 

 

 

Robert N. Guliano

/Robert N. Guliano/

Examining Attorney

Law Office 105

571-272-0174

robert.guliano@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 3/18/2019 FOR U.S. APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 88076499

 

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 3/18/2019 (or sooner if specified in the Office action).  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.  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 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.