UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE (USPTO)
OFFICE ACTION (OFFICIAL LETTER) ABOUT APPLICANT’S TRADEMARK APPLICATION
U.S. APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 88203056
MARK: BE MORE
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CORRESPONDENT ADDRESS: |
CLICK HERE TO RESPOND TO THIS LETTER: http://www.gov.uspto.report/trademarks/teas/response_forms.jsp
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APPLICANT: Red Kangaroo Beverages Pty Ltd
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CORRESPONDENT’S REFERENCE/DOCKET NO: CORRESPONDENT E-MAIL ADDRESS: |
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OFFICE ACTION
TO AVOID ABANDONMENT OF APPLICANT’S TRADEMARK APPLICATION, THE USPTO MUST RECEIVE APPLICANT’S COMPLETE RESPONSE TO THIS LETTER WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THE ISSUE/MAILING DATE BELOW. 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: 2/27/2019
The referenced application has been reviewed by the assigned trademark examining attorney. Applicant must respond timely and completely to the issues below. 15 U.S.C. §1062(b); 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(a), 2.65(a); TMEP §§711, 718.03.
SUMMARY OF ISSUES:
SECTION 2(d) REFUSAL – LIKELIHOOD OF CONFUSION
Registration of the applied-for mark is refused because of a likelihood of confusion with the mark BE MORE in U.S. Registration No. 4425792. Trademark Act Section 2(d), 15 U.S.C. §1052(d); see TMEP §§1207.01 et seq. See the attached registration.
Applicant’s mark is BE MORE used in connection with the goods “Non-alcoholic aerated beverages, namely, sparkling water, aerated fruit juices, soft drinks; alcohol-free beverages, namely, drinking waters, fruit juice, soft drinks; beverages consisting of a blend of fruit and vegetable juices; beverages made from fruit concentrates, namely, fruit juice, fruit smoothies; fruit beverages; fruit juice beverages; beverages, namely, mineral water, non-alcoholic beverages, excluding non-alcoholic beers, namely, soft drinks; powders for making effervescing beverages, namely, powders used in the preparation of soft drinks, energy drinks and fruit-flavored beverages; sherbet beverages; syrups for beverages; beverages, namely, vegetable juice concentrates for making vegetable based beverages; beverages, namely, vegetable juices being beverages; water beverages; non-alcoholic cocktails; beer; energy drinks, not for medical purposes; aerated water; water for drinking, other than for medical purposes; soft drinks; non-medicated sports drinks; fruit drinks; aerated fruit juices; fresh fruit juices; fresh vegetable juices; frozen vegetable juices; preparations for making aerated water; concentrates for use in the preparation of soft drinks; fruit juices; low calorie fruit juices; non-fermented fruit juices; aerated fruit juices” in International Class 032.
Registrant’s mark is BE MORE, used in connection with the relevant goods “Non-alcoholic beverages, namely, energy drinks, fruit-flavored beverages, and sports drinks; concentrates and powders used in the preparation of energy drinks and fruit-flavored beverages” in International Class 032.
Trademark Act Section 2(d) bars registration of an applied-for mark that so resembles a registered mark that it is likely a consumer would be confused, mistaken, or deceived as to the source of the goods of the applicant and registrant. See 15 U.S.C. §1052(d). Determining likelihood of confusion is made 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). In re i.am.symbolic, llc, 866 F.3d 1315, 1322, 123 USPQ2d 1744, 1747 (Fed. Cir. 2017). However, “[n]ot all of the [du Pont] factors are relevant to every case, and only factors of significance to the particular mark need be considered.” Coach Servs., Inc. v. Triumph Learning LLC, 668 F.3d 1356, 1366, 101 USPQ2d 1713, 1719 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (quoting In re Mighty Leaf Tea, 601. F.3d 1342, 1346, 94 USPQ2d 1257, 1259 (Fed. Cir 2010)). The USPTO may focus its analysis “on dispositive factors, such as similarity of the marks and relatedness of the goods.” 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)); see TMEP §1207.01.
In this case, the following factors are the most relevant: similarity of the marks, similarity of the nature of the goods, and similarity of the trade channels of the goods. 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.
SIMILARITY 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 1st USA Realty Prof’ls, Inc., 84 USPQ2d 1581, 1586 (TTAB 2007)); In re White Swan Ltd., 8 USPQ2d 1534, 1535 (TTAB 1988)); TMEP §1207.01(b).
Applicant’s mark BE MORE and registrant’s mark BE MORE are confusingly similar.
In the present case, applicant’s mark is BE MORE and registrant’s mark is BE MORE. These marks are identical in appearance, sound, and meaning, “and have the potential to be used . . . in exactly the same manner.” In re i.am.symbolic, llc, 116 USPQ2d 1406, 1411 (TTAB 2015), aff’d, 866 F.3d 1315, 123 USPQ2d 1744 (Fed. Cir. 2017). Additionally, because they are identical, these marks are likely to engender the same connotation and overall commercial impression when considered in connection with applicant’s and registrant’s respective goods. Id.
Therefore, the marks are confusingly similar.
RELATEDNESS OF THE 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).
Applicant’s goods “Non-alcoholic aerated beverages, namely, sparkling water, aerated fruit juices, soft drinks; alcohol-free beverages, namely, drinking waters, fruit juice, soft drinks; beverages consisting of a blend of fruit and vegetable juices; beverages made from fruit concentrates, namely, fruit juice, fruit smoothies; fruit beverages; fruit juice beverages; beverages, namely, mineral water, non-alcoholic beverages, excluding non-alcoholic beers, namely, soft drinks; powders for making effervescing beverages, namely, powders used in the preparation of soft drinks, energy drinks and fruit-flavored beverages; sherbet beverages; syrups for beverages; beverages, namely, vegetable juice concentrates for making vegetable based beverages; beverages, namely, vegetable juices being beverages; water beverages; non-alcoholic cocktails; beer; energy drinks, not for medical purposes; aerated water; water for drinking, other than for medical purposes; soft drinks; non-medicated sports drinks; fruit drinks; aerated fruit juices; fresh fruit juices; fresh vegetable juices; frozen vegetable juices; preparations for making aerated water; concentrates for use in the preparation of soft drinks; fruit juices; low calorie fruit juices; non-fermented fruit juices; aerated fruit juices” in International Class 032 are related to registrant’s relevant goods “Non-alcoholic beverages, namely, energy drinks, fruit-flavored beverages, and sports drinks; concentrates and powders used in the preparation of energy drinks and fruit-flavored beverages” in International Class 032.
In this case, the registration uses broad wording to describe “concentrates and powders used in the preparation of energy drinks and fruit-flavored beverages,” which presumably encompasses all goods of the type described, including applicant’s narrower “powders for making effervescing beverages, namely, powders used in the preparation of…energy drink and fruit-flavored beverages.” See, e.g., In re Solid State Design Inc., 125 USPQ2d 1409, 1412-15 (TTAB 2018); Sw. Mgmt., Inc. v. Ocinomled, Ltd., 115 USPQ2d 1007, 1025 (TTAB 2015). Thus, applicant’s and registrant’s goods are legally identical. See, e.g., In re i.am.symbolic, llc, 127 USPQ2d 1627, 1629 (TTAB 2018) (citing Tuxedo Monopoly, Inc. v.Gen. Mills Fun Grp., Inc., 648 F.2d 1335, 1336, 209 USPQ 986, 988 (C.C.P.A. 1981); Inter IKEA Sys. B.V. v. Akea, LLC, 110 USPQ2d 1734, 1745 (TTAB 2014); Baseball Am. Inc. v. Powerplay Sports Ltd., 71 USPQ2d 1844, 1847 n.9 (TTAB 2004)).
Additionally, the goods of the parties have no restrictions as to channels of trade or classes of purchasers and are “presumed to travel in the same channels of trade to the same class of purchasers.” In re Viterra Inc., 671 F.3d 1358, 1362, 101 USPQ2d 1905, 1908 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (quoting Hewlett-Packard Co. v. Packard Press, Inc., 281 F.3d 1261, 1268, 62 USPQ2d 1001, 1005 (Fed. Cir. 2002)). Thus, applicant’s and registrant’s goods are related.
Lastly, where the marks of the respective parties are identical or virtually identical, as in this case, the degree of similarity or relatedness between the goods needed to support a finding of likelihood of confusion declines. See In re i.am.symbolic, llc, 116 USPQ2d 1406, 1411 (TTAB 2015) (citing In re Shell Oil Co., 992 F.2d 1204, 1207, 26 USPQ2d 1687, 1689 (Fed. Cir. 1993)), aff’d, 866 F.3d 1315, 123 USPQ2d 1744 (Fed. Cir. 2017); TMEP §1207.01(a). Here, the marks are identical and thus, the degree of similarity required to support a likelihood of confusion is diminished.
Because the marks are confusingly similar and the goods are related, there is a likelihood of confusion between the marks. Therefore, registration is refused pursuant to Section 2(d) of the Trademark Act.
ADVISORY: PRIOR-FILED 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.
If applicant chooses to submit arguments at this time, applicant must also respond to the requirements detailed below.
IDENTIFICATION OF GOODS AMENDMENT ADVISORY
Applicant is advised to delete or modify the duplicate entry in the identification of goods for “aerated fruit juices.” See generally TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.01(a). If applicant does not respond to this issue, be advised that the USPTO will remove duplicate entries from the identification prior to registration.
If modifying one of the duplicate entries, applicant may amend it to clarify or limit the goods, but not to broaden or expand the goods beyond those in the original application or as acceptably amended. See 37 C.F.R. §2.71(a); TMEP §1402.06. Also, generally, any deleted goods may not later be reinserted. TMEP §1402.07(e).
Applicant may adopt the following identification of goods, if accurate:
IC 032: Non-alcoholic aerated beverages, namely, sparkling water, aerated fruit juices, soft drinks; alcohol-free beverages, namely, drinking waters, fruit juice, soft drinks; beverages consisting of a blend of fruit and vegetable juices; beverages made from fruit concentrates, namely, fruit juice, fruit smoothies; fruit beverages; fruit juice beverages; beverages, namely, mineral water, non-alcoholic beverages, excluding non-alcoholic beers, namely, soft drinks; powders for making effervescing beverages, namely, powders used in the preparation of soft drinks, energy drinks and fruit-flavored beverages; sherbet beverages; syrups for beverages; beverages, namely, vegetable juice concentrates for making vegetable based beverages; beverages, namely, vegetable juices being beverages; water beverages; non-alcoholic cocktails; beer; energy drinks, not for medical purposes; aerated water; water for drinking, other than for medical purposes; soft drinks; non- medicated sports drinks; fruit drinks; aerated fruit juices; fresh fruit juices; fresh vegetable juices; frozen vegetable juices; preparations for making aerated water; concentrates for use in the preparation of soft drinks; fruit juices; low calorie fruit juices; non-fermented fruit juices
For assistance with identifying and classifying goods in trademark applications, please see the USPTO’s online searchable U.S. Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual. See TMEP §1402.04.
APPLICATION AND DECLARATION SIGNATURE REQUIRED
The following statements must be verified: That applicant has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce and had a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce as of the application filing date; that applicant believes applicant is entitled to use the mark in commerce on or in connection with the goods or services specified in the application; that to the best of the signatory’s knowledge and belief, no other persons, except, if applicable, concurrent users, have the right to use the mark in commerce, either in the identical form or in such near resemblance as to be likely, when used on or in connection with the goods of such other persons, to cause confusion or mistake, or to deceive; and that the facts set forth in the application are true. 37 C.F.R. §§2.33(b)(2), (c), 2.34(a)(2), (a)(3)(i), (a)(4)(ii). For more information about this, see the Verified statement webpage.
To provide these verified statements. After opening the correct TEAS response form, answer “yes” to wizard question #10, and follow the instructions within the form for signing. In this case, the form will require two signatures: one in the “Declaration Signature” section and one in the “Response Signature” section.
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.
/Rebecca D. Coughlan/
Rebecca D. Coughlan
Examining Attorney
Law Office 113
(571)272-4975
rebecca.coughlan@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.