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: 2/6/2019

 

 

SEARCH OF OFFICE’S DATABASE OF MARKS DEFERRED

 

A search of the Office’s database of registered and pending marks for potentially conflicting marksis deferred until applicant responds to the issues raised in this Office action.  TMEP §704.02.

 

SUMMARY OF ISSUES

 

• Identification of Goods and Services – Requirement
• Multiple-Class Application – Requirement
• Name of Individual Inquiry – Requirement

 

CLASSIFICATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES –REQUIREMENT

 

Applicant did not designate in the application the required international class numbers for applicant’s goods and services.  Thus, the USPTO conducted a preliminary review of the specified goods and services and assigned an international class number.  See TMEP §1401.03(b).  However, in this case, the USPTO incorrectly classified all of the goods and services in International Class 3; the correct international class numbers are noted below in the Suggested Amendment section.  Therefore, applicant may respond by requesting that the USPTO amend the application to classify the goods in the International Classes listed in the suggestion below.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.32(a)(7), 2.85; TMEP §§1401.02(a), 1401.03(b).

 

The wording “printed matter,” “clothing,” “toys, games and playthings,” “entertainment services,” “entertainment services relating to television shows,” “presentation of live performances,” and “production of shows”  in the identification of goods and services is indefinite and must be clarified because the nature of these goods and services is unclear.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01.  Applicant must amend this wording by indicating the field or subject matter of these goods and services or further specifying the nature or common name of these goods or services as suggested below. 

 

Applicant must also clarify the wording “soaps,” “toiletries,” “paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials,” “Children’s furniture and bean bags,” “knives,” “spoons,” “forks,” “lunch bags,” “containers for food,” “sponges,” “handkerchiefs,” “table covers,” “table cloths,” “headgear,” “novelty items,” and “organization of shows” in the identification of goods and/or services because it is indefinite and too broad.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03.  This wording is indefinite because it does not make clear what the goods and/or services are.  Further, this wording could identify goods and/or services in more than one international class, as demonstrated by the suggestions in the Suggested Amendment section below. 

 

The wording “computer software,” “computer game software,” “computer application software,” “mobile apps,” and “computer games and on-line computer games” is also indefinite and must be clarified to specify the purpose or function of the software.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.03(d).  If the software is content- or field-specific, applicant must also specify its content or field of use.  See TMEP §1402.03(d).  The USPTO requires such specificity in identifying computer software in order for a trademark examining attorney to examine the application properly and make appropriate decisions concerning possible conflicts between the applicant’s mark and other marks.  See In re N.A.D. Inc., 57 USPQ2d 1872, 1874 (TTAB 2000); TMEP §1402.03(d).

 

In addition, software can be classified in three international classes (International Classes 9, 41, and 42) depending on whether the software is recorded on media, downloadable, or non-downloadable (either online or for temporary use), and if non-downloadable, whether it is game software.  For information regarding proper classification of computer software, see TMEP §§1402.03(d), 1402.11(a)(xii), and the USPTO’s online U.S. Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual.

 

Additionally, applicant must clarify the wording “books and publications” in the identification of goods and/or services because it is indefinite and too broad.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03.  Specifically, the wording “books” must be amended to specify the subject matter or field.  As for the term “publications,” this wording is indefinite and too broad and must be clarified because the word does not make clear whether the “publications” are products or services and thus could identify goods and services in more than one international class.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03, 1402.03(e), 1402.11(a)(x).  Specifically, applicant must clarify whether “publications” identifies print publications in International Class 16, electronic publications in International Class 9 or 41, and/or online/Internet publications in International Class 41, and amend the identification to provide the additional information specified below for such goods and services. 

 

If “publications” identifies print publications, applicant must indicate both the specific physical nature (e.g., pamphlets, brochures, newsletters, journals, or magazines) and the literary subject matter of the publications.  TMEP §§1402.03(e), 1402.07(b).  For example, “magazines in the field of medicine,” “books and pamphlets in the field of financial classification of companies and securities,” and “newsletters about television programs,” are acceptable in International Class 16.  If the subject matter is not a significant aspect of the publications, the identification may specify the general character or type of publications; e.g., “general feature magazines” are acceptable in International Class 16.  TMEP §1402.03(e). 

 

If “publications” identifies electronic or online/Internet publications, applicant must specify (1) the common name of the type of publications, such as brochures, newsletters, or magazines; and (2) the subject matter of the publications.  See id.  If the subject matter is not a significant aspect of the publications, the identification may specify the general character or type of the publications (e.g., downloadable electronic publications in the nature of general feature magazines are acceptable in International Class 9).  Id.  Additionally, for electronic publications, applicant must clarify whether the electronic publications are downloadable or recorded on computer media, such as CDs or DVDs, in International Class 9; or are online non-downloadable publications in International Class 41.  See TMEP §§1402.07(b), 1402.11(a)(x). 

 

Finally, the identification for “arts and crafts kits and accessories therefor” is indefinite and too broad and must be clarified because this wording does not make clear the nature of the type of the arts and crafts kit.  Additionally, the wording “accessories therefor” is indefinite because the nature of the accessories is unclear and could include goods in more than one international class.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03(a).  Applicant must either (1) specify the common commercial or generic name for each accessory item, or (2) delete this wording from the identification.  See TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03(a). 

 

Please note that if applicant adopts the suggested amendment of the goods below, then applicant must amend the classification to the International Classes listed in the Suggested Amendment section below.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.32(a)(7), 2.85; TMEP §§805, 1401.  However, applicant has provided the application fee for only one (1) international class.  Thus, not all international classes in the application are covered by the application fee.  Because of this disparity, applicant must clarify the number of classes for which registration is sought.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.32(d), 2.86.

 

Applicant may respond by (1) adding one or more international class(es) to the application, and reclassifying the above goods and/or services accordingly; or (2) deleting from the application the goods and/or services for all but the number of international class(es) for which the application fee was submitted.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.86(a), 6.1; TMEP §§1403.02 et seq.  If applicant adds one or more international classes to the application, applicant must comply with the multiple-class application requirements specified in this Office action.

 

Suggested Amendment

 

Applicant may substitute the following wording, if accurate (suggestions in bold): 

 

International Class 2:          Accessories for arts and crafts kits, namely, {specify Class 2 goods, e.g., paints for arts and crafts}

 

International Class 3:             Cosmetics; soaps, namely, {specify Class 3 soaps, e.g., cosmetic soaps}; perfumery; essential oils; hair lotions; toiletries, namely, {specify Class 3 goods, e.g., non-medicated toiletry preparations}; cleaning preparations; sponges, namely, {specify Class 3 sponges, e.g., sponges impregnated with cleaning preparations}

 

International Class 5:          Soaps, namely, {specify Class 5 soaps, e.g., medicated soaps}; toiletries, namely, {specify Class 5 goods, e.g., medicated toiletry preparations}; sponges, namely, {specify Class 5 sponges, e.g., sponges impregnated with antiseptics}

 

International Class 7:          knives, namely, {specify Class 7 knives, e.g., electric knives}

 

International Class 8:          knives, namely, {specify Class 8 knives, e.g., bread knives, chef knives, table knives, etc.}; spoons, namely, {specify Class 8 spoons, e.g., spoons being tableware, spoons for tea, etc.}; forks, namely, {specify Class 8 forks, e.g., forks being tableware, fish forks, etc.}

 

International Class 9:          Downloadable computer software, namely, software for {specify purpose or function of software, e.g., editing photos, streaming audio and video content on mobile phones}; downloadable computer game software; downloadable computer application software for {specify purpose or function of software, e.g., editing photos, streaming audio and video content on mobile phones}; Downloadable mobile application software for {indicate function of software, e.g., editing photos, streaming audio and video content on mobile phones}; computer games, namely, {specify nature of physical game, e.g., computer game cartridges and discs, or specify downloadable software, e.g., downloadable computer game software}; pre-recorded audio and visual videotapes, CDs and DVDs featuring fictional characters and activities for children, movies, television programs, books, music and instructions for use of toys, glasses and sun glasses; headgear, namely, {specify Class 9 headgear, e.g., headgear being protective helmets}

 

International Class 10:        knives, namely, {specify Class 10 knives, e.g., surgical knives, knives for medical use, etc.}; sponges, namely, {specify Class 10 sponges, e.g., surgical sponges}; headgear, namely, {specify Class 10 headgear, e.g., orthodontic headgear}

 

International Class 16:        Paper and cardboard; goods made from paper and cardboard, namely, {specify Class 16 goods, e.g., adhesive note paper, gift wrap paper, cardboard boxes, cardboard containers, etc.}; Printed matter, namely, {indicate type, e.g., photographs, magazines, newsletters, etc.} in the field of {indicate subject matter, e.g., animals, comics, etc.}; photographs; stationery; Books, namely, {indicate type of book, e.g., novels, comic books, note books, etc., or indicate subject matter, e.g., books in the field of art history}; Printed publications in the nature of {specify nature of printed publication, e.g., pamphlets, brochures, newsletters, journals, or magazines} in the field of {specify subject matter of the publications, e.g., art history, music, etc.}; stickers and sticker books; sketch books; arts and crafts {specify nature of goods, clay, paper} kits and accessories therefore, namely, {specify Class 16 accessories, ink stamps, stencil paper, pen ink refills}; knives, namely, {specify Class 16 knives, e.g., hand-held paper knives}; paper lunch bags; containers for food, namely, {specify Class 16 containers, e.g., packaging containers comprised of paperboard for food}; handkerchiefs, namely, paper handkerchiefs; novelty items, namely, {specify Class 16 goods, e.g., printed novelty wine labels, printed novelty awards}

 

International Class 18:        Umbrellas; luggage tags; tote bags; carry-all bags; backpacks; rucksacks; school bags; fanny packs; messenger bags; handbags; wallets and purses; athletic bags; travel bags; knapsacks; change purses; duffle bags; beach bags

 

International Class 20:        Goods made from paper and cardboard, namely, {specify Class 20 goods, e.g., paper blinds, paper picture frames}; accessories for arts and crafts kits, namely, {specify Class 20 accessories, e.g., wooden craft sticks}; Children’s furniture and bean bag chairs; containers for food, namely, {plastic containers for commercial use, namely, for storing bulk foods}; pillows; fitted table covers; paper table cloths; novelty items, namely, {specify Class 20 goods, e.g., novelty pillows}

 

International Class 21:        Goods made from paper and cardboard, namely, {specify Class 21 goods, e.g., paper plates and paper cups, paper cupcake baking liners, cardboard cups, etc.}; lunch bags of nylon and canvas; bowls; spoons, namely, {specify Class 21 spoons, e.g., mixing spoons, serving spoons, slotted spoons, etc.}; forks, namely, {specify Class 21 forks, e.g., cooking forks, serving forks, etc.}; lunch boxes; lunch bags not of paper; plates; containers for food, namely, {household containers for foods}; drinking glasses; cups; mugs; hair brushes; combs; toothbrushes; sponges, namely, {specify Class 21 sponges, e.g., scrub sponges, massage sponges, etc.}

 

International Class 24:        Bath towels; beach towels; bed blankets; bed linens; bed sheets; bed spreads; bed comforters; pillow cases; pillow shams; duvet covers; curtains; handkerchiefs, namely, handkerchiefs of textile; plastic table covers; table cloths not of paper

 

International Class 25:        Clothing, namely, {specify common name of clothing goods, tops, bottoms, ties, gloves, etc.}; footwear; headgear, namely, {specify Class 25 goods, e.g., hats}; novelty items, namely, {specify Class 25 goods, e.g., novelty headwear with attached wigs, adult novelty gag clothing item, namely, socks}

 

International Class 28:        Bean bags; Toys, games and playthings, namely, {specify common name of goods, e.g., dolls, board games, etc.}; novelty items, namely, {specify Class 28 toy goods, e.g., novelty toys for playing jokes, novelty plush toys for parties, etc.}

 

International Class 35:        Organization of {specify nature or subject matter of shows, e.g., fashion} shows for {specify Class 35 purpose, e.g., promotional, advertising, etc.} purposes

 

International Class 41:        {Specify Class 41 non-downloadable game software by adding the following language} providing on-line non-downloadable computer game software; providing on-line computer games; Entertainment services in the nature of {specify common name or nature of service, e.g., providing on-line interactive children’s stories, development and distribution of television programming, etc.}; entertainment services relating to television shows, namely, {specify common name of entertainment service, e.g., providing information relating to television shows, production of television programs, ongoing television programs in the field of comedy, etc.}; entertainment in the nature of ongoing television programs in the field of children's entertainment; entertainment services, namely, presentation of live {specify nature of performance, e.g., dance, musical, magic} performances; production of {specify nature of shows, e.g., game, quiz, television} shows; Organization of {specify nature of shows, e.g., game, quiz, fashion, etc.} shows for entertainment purposes

 

International Class 42:        Providing temporary use of on-line non-downloadable computer software for {specify the function of the programs, e.g., for use in database management, for use as a spreadsheet, for word processing, etc. and, if software is content- or field-specific, the field of use}; Providing temporary use of on-line non-downloadable computer application software for {specify the function of the programs, e.g., for use in database management, for use as a spreadsheet, for word processing, etc. and, if software is content- or field-specific, the field of use}

 

Amendment Guidelines

 

Applicant may amend the identification to clarify or limit the goods and/or services, but not to broaden or expand the goods and/or services beyond those in the original application or as acceptably amended.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.71(a); TMEP §1402.06.  Generally, any deleted goods and/or services may not later be reinserted.  See TMEP §1402.07(e).

 

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.  See TMEP §1402.04.

 

MULTIPLE-CLASS APPLICATION – REQUIREMENT

 

The application identifies goods and/or services in more than one international class; therefore, applicant must satisfy all the requirements below for each international class based on Trademark Act Section 1(b):

 

(1)       List the goods and/or services by their international class number in consecutive numerical order, starting with the lowest numbered class.

 

(2)       Submit a filing fee for each international class not covered by the fee(s) already paid (view the USPTO’s current fee schedule).  The application identifies goods and/or services that are classified in at least 17 classes; however, applicant submitted a fee(s) sufficient for only 1 class.  Applicant must either submit the filing fees for the classes not covered by the submitted fees or restrict the application to the number of classes covered by the fees already paid.

 

See 15 U.S.C. §§1051(b), 1112, 1126(e); 37 C.F.R. §§2.32(a)(6)-(7), 2.34(a)(2)-(3), 2.86(a); TMEP §§1403.01, 1403.02(c).

 

See an overview of the requirements for a Section 1(b) multiple-class application and how to satisfy the requirements online using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) form.

 

NAME OF INDIVIDUAL INQUIRY – REQUIREMENT

 

Applicant must clarify whether the name ABBY HATCHER in the mark identifies a particular living individual.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.61(b); TMEP §§813, 1206.03.  In this case, the application neither specifies whether the name in the mark identifies a particular living individual nor includes a written consent.  See TMEP §§813.01(a)-(b), 1206.04(a), 1206.05.

 

To register a mark that consists of or comprises the name of a particular living individual, including a first name, pseudonym, stage name, or nickname, an applicant must provide a written consent personally signed by the named individual.  15 U.S.C. §1052(c); TMEP §§813, 1206.04(a).  

 

Accordingly, if the name in the mark does not identify a particular living individual, applicant must submit a statement to that effect (e.g., “The name shown in the mark does not identify a particular living individual.”). 

 

However, if the name in the mark does identify a particular living individual, applicant must submit both of the following: 

 

(1)       The following statement:  “The name(s) shown in the mark identifies a living individual(s) whose consent(s) to register is made of record.”  If the name is a pseudonym, stage name, or nickname, applicant must provide the following statement:  “ABBY HATCHER identifies <specify actual name>, a living individual whose consent is of record.”

 

(2)       A written consent, personally signed by the named individual(s), as follows:  “I, Abby Hatcher, consent to the use and registration of my name, ABBY HATCHER, as a trademark and/or service mark with the USPTO.”

 

For an overview of the requirements pertaining to names appearing in marks, and instructions on how to satisfy this requirement online using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) response form, please go to http://www.gov.uspto.report/trademarks/law/consent.jsp.

 

Failure to comply with a request for information is grounds for refusing registration.  In re Harley, 119 USPQ2d 1755, 1757-58 (TTAB 2016); TMEP §814. 

 

HIRING OF TRADEMARK COUNSEL SUGGESTED – ADVISORY

 

Because of the legal technicalities and strict deadlines involved in the USPTO application process, applicant may wish to hire a qualified U.S. 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 or an online directory of legal professionals, such as FindLaw®.  The USPTO, however, may not assist an applicant in the selection of a private attorney.  37 C.F.R. §2.11.

 

Please note that foreign attorneys, other than duly authorized Canadian attorneys, are not permitted to represent applicants before the USPTO.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.17(e), 11.14(c), (e); TMEP §602.03-.03(c).  The only attorneys who may practice before the USPTO in trademark matters are (1) attorneys in good standing with a bar of the highest court of any U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. commonwealths/territories; and (2) duly authorized Canadian agents/attorneys.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.17(e), 11.14(a), (c); TMEP §602.

 

RESPONSE GUIDELINES

 

For this application to proceed, applicant must explicitly address each refusal and/or requirement in this Office action.  For a refusal, applicant may provide written arguments and evidence against the refusal, and may have other response options if specified above.  For a requirement, applicant should set forth the changes or statements.  Please see “Responding to Office Actions” and the informational video “Response to Office Action” for more information and tips on responding.

 

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.  

 

 

 

Young Wolfe

/Young Wolfe/

Trademark Examining Attorney

Law Office 122

Phone: (571) 272-5579

young.wolfe@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 2/6/2019 FOR U.S. APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 88228807

 

Your trademark application has been reviewed.  The trademark examining attorney assigned by the USPTO to your application has written an official letter to which you must respond.  Please follow these steps:

 

(1)  Read the LETTER by clicking on this link or going to http://tsdr.gov.uspto.report/, entering your U.S. application serial number, and clicking 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)  Respond within 6 months (or sooner if specified in the Office action), calculated from 2/6/2019, using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) response form located at http://www.gov.uspto.report/trademarks/teas/response_forms.jsp.  A response transmitted through TEAS must be received before midnight Eastern Time of the last day of the response period.

 

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. 

 

(3)  Questions about the contents of the Office action itself should be directed to the trademark examining attorney who reviewed your application, identified below. 

 

Young Wolfe

/Young Wolfe/

Trademark Examining Attorney

Law Office 122

Phone: (571) 272-5579

young.wolfe@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.