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: 3/13/2019

 

 

 

 

 

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.  

 

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.

 

SEARCH RESULTS

 

The trademark examining attorney has searched the Office’s database of registered and pending marks and has found no conflicting marks that would bar registration under Trademark Act Section 2(d).  TMEP §704.02; see 15 U.S.C. §1052(d).

 

SUMMARY OF ISSUES:

• Refusal - Surname

 

SECTION 2(e)(4) REFUSAL – 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, when viewed in connection with the applicant’s recited goods and/or services, “‘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.

 

The following five inquiries are often used to determine the public’s perception of a term’s primary significance:

 

(1)       Whether the surname is rare;

 

(2)       Whether anyone connected with applicant uses the term as a surname;

 

(3)       Whether the term has any recognized meaning other than as a surname;

 

(4)       Whether the term has the structure and pronunciation of a surname; and

 

(5)       Whether the term is sufficiently stylized to remove its primary significance from that of a surname.

 

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 the LEXISNEXIS® surname database, establishing the surname significance of TSENG.  This evidence shows the applied-for mark appearing 9031 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.  One hundred entries are attached as a representative sample. 

 

If the mark combines a surname with an additional term, the mark will be evaluated to determine if the primary significance of the mark as a whole in connection with applicant’s goods and/or services is still that of a surname.  See Earnhardt v. Kerry Earnhardt, Inc., 864 F.3d 1374, 1377, 123 USPQ2d 1411, 1413 (Fed. Cir. 2017); TMEP §1211.01(b).  A key element in this determination is the relative distinctiveness of the additional term in the mark.  Earnhardt v. Kerry Earnhardt, Inc., 864 F.3d at 1377, 123 USPQ2d at 1413 (citing In re Hutchinson Tech. Inc., 852 F.2d 552, 554-55, 7 USPQ2d 1490, 1492 (Fed. Cir. 1988)); TMEP §1211.01(b)(vi). 

 

In this case, the addition of “NOODLE” does not alter the primary significance of the mark as a whole from that of a surname, as “NOODLE” merely is the generic name of the goods, which are identified in the identification of goods as “Noodles; Ramen noodle”.  A nondistinctive term is typically accorded less weight and is not likely to detract from the primary surname significance of the mark.  See Azeka Bldg. Corp. v. Azeka, 122 USPQ2d 1477, 1481 n.9, 1482 (TTAB 2017) (construing In re Hutchinson Tech. Inc., 852 F.2d at 554, 7 USPQ2d at 1492-93); TMEP §1211.01(b)(vi).  Although individual components of a mark may be weighed to determine the mark’s overall commercial impression, the combination of the individual parts must be viewed as a whole to determine if the additional term alters the primary significance of the mark to the purchasing public.  Earnhardt v. Kerry Earnhardt, Inc., 864 F.3d at 1378-79, 123 USPQ2d at 1414 (quoting In re Oppedahl & Larson LLP, 373 F.3d 1171, 1174-75, 71 USPQ2d 1370, 1372 (Fed. Cir. 2004)). 

 

AMENDMENT TO SUPPLEMENTAL REGISTER SUGGESTED AFTER ACCEPTABLE AMENDMENT TO ALLEGE USE IS FILED

 

Although an amendment to the Supplemental Register would normally be an appropriate response to this refusal, such a response is not appropriate in the present case.  The instant application was filed under Trademark Act Section 1(b) and is not eligible for registration on the Supplemental Register until an acceptable amendment to allege use meeting the requirements of 37 C.F.R. §2.76 has been timely filed.  37 C.F.R. §2.47(d); TMEP §§816.02, 1102.03.

 

If applicant files an acceptable allegation of use and also amends to the Supplemental Register, the application effective filing date will be the date applicant met the minimum filing requirements under 37 C.F.R. §2.76(c) for an amendment to allege use.  TMEP §§816.02, 1102.03; see 37 C.F.R. §2.75(b).  In addition, the undersigned trademark examining attorney will conduct a new search of the USPTO records for conflicting marks based on the later application filing date.  TMEP §§206.01, 1102.03.

 

ADVISORY REGARDING DISCLAIMER OF “NOODLE”: IF ACCEPTABLE ALLEGATION OF USE AND AMENDMENT TO SUPPLEMENTAL REGISTER ARE FILED, APPLICANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO DISCLAIM “NOODLE”

 

Applicant is advised that, if an acceptable allegation of use and an amendment to the Supplemental Register are filed, applicant will be required to disclaim “NOODLE” because such wording appears to be generic in the context of applicant’s goods.  See 15 U.S.C. §1056(a); In re Wella Corp., 565 F.2d 143, 144, 196 USPQ 7, 8 (C.C.P.A. 1977); In re Creative Goldsmiths of Wash., Inc., 229 USPQ 766, 768 (TTAB 1986); TMEP §1213.03(b).

 

Applicant may submit a disclaimer in the following format:

 

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

 

TMEP §1213.08(a)(i).

 

For an overview of disclaimers and instructions on how to satisfy this issue using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), see the Disclaimer webpage.

 

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

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/Ellen Awrich/

Trademark Examining Attorney

Law Office 116

571-272-9123

ellen.awrich@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.

 

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

 

Total number found: 9031
No.	Name	Address	Phone
1.	TSENG, A	21807 34TH W BRIER, WA 98036-4200	425-954-1589
2.	TSENG, A	10650 NE 9TH UNIT 2024 BELLEVUE, WA 98004-5077	425-653-1590
3.	TSENG, A	920 JEFFERSON BALDWIN, NY 11510-4743	516-476-6493
4.	TSENG, A	BOHEMIA, NY 11716	516-717-8355
5.	TSENG, A	BRONX, NY 10451	718-710-1355
6.	TSENG, A	CAMDEN, NJ 08102	856-383-0637
7.	TSENG, A	FREMONT, CA 94555	510-579-0890
8.	TSENG, A	HIALEAH, FL 33014	305-733-7191
9.	TSENG, A	MANHATTAN, NY 10013	347-249-6623
10.	TSENG, A	NEW YORK, NY 10199	718-710-1355
11.	TSENG, A	OAKLAND, CA 94607	408-667-1414
12.	TSENG, ABIGAIL Y	240 E 35TH APT 11H NEW YORK, NY 10016-4219	917-545-9346
13.	TSENG, ACORN	20510 VIA TALAVERA YORBA LINDA, CA 92887-3115	714-420-3488
14.	TSENG, ADAM	28333 CONNIE CANYON COUNTRY, CA 91387-3248	661-373-4572
15.	TSENG, AI	3535 167TH FLUSHING, NY 11358-1730	917-972-3312
16.	TSENG, AI	71 GLEN COVE GREENVALE, NY 11548-1056	516-637-8717
17.	TSENG, AI T	NEW YORK, NY 10010	646-270-4537
18.	TSENG, AI	SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84108	801-554-3361
19.	TSENG, AILEN	181 HILLSIDE CHATHAM, NJ 07928-1910	949-552-3514
20.	TSENG, AKASA	3964 HOPEVALE SHERMAN OAKS, CA 91403-4414	415-205-3559
21.	TSENG, ALAN	6830 DELAWARE RIVER MIRA LOMA, CA 91752-4312	626-532-2766
22.	TSENG, ALAN	7024 TOBY BALTIMORE, MD 21209-1567	408-230-4089
23.	TSENG, ALAN	BRENTWOOD, NY 11717	631-365-0994
24.	TSENG, ALAN	LOS ANGELES, CA 90017	909-618-5265
25.	TSENG, ALAN	SAUSALITO, CA 94903	415-272-5398
26.	TSENG, ALAN	SEATTLE, WA 98122	206-579-4619
27.	TSENG, ALANWEI SHUN	900 S PETERS APT 9 NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130-1790	626-652-8686
28.	TSENG, ALBERT	1442 28TH SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122-3230	415-568-0035
29.	TSENG, ALBERT	333 E 58TH NEW YORK, NY 10022-2248	301-481-0636
30.	TSENG, ALBERT V	9823 BROADWAY TEMPLE CITY, CA 91780-2634	626-451-9969
31.	TSENG, ALBERT	350 DAHLIA DENVER, CO 80220-5714	303-478-1024
32.	TSENG, ALBERT	132 KENSINGTON JERSEY CITY, NJ 07304-1806	917-945-5713
33.	TSENG, ALBERT	15 LUCERO E IRVINE, CA 92620-1920	714-731-8882
34.	TSENG, ALBERT	11235 OAK LEAF APT 1107 SILVER SPRING, MD 20901-1389	301-481-1250
35.	TSENG, ALBERT	21738 ROSE BANK LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650-2410	917-345-8167
36.	TSENG, ALBERT	NEW YORK, NY 10001	917-882-8841
37.	TSENG, ALBERT	SANTA MONICA, CA 90405	310-985-0535
38.	TSENG, ALBERTA	NEW YORK, NY 10013	917-442-2930
39.	TSENG, ALEX	5865 ACACIA EL PASO, TX 79912-4868	915-240-6698
40.	TSENG, ALEX	19735 CAMINO ARROYO WALNUT, CA 91789-1712	909-263-8678
41.	TSENG, ALEX	150 HUNTINGTON APT NJ BOSTON, MA 02115-4808	617-913-8220
42.	TSENG, ALEX	1905 WINNETKA NORTHFIELD, IL 60093-3259	847-732-6124
43.	TSENG, ALEX	LOS ANGELES, CA 90009	310-529-2565
44.	TSENG, ALEXANDER	3625 E 43RD APT 407 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55406-4376	206-661-3926
45.	TSENG, ALEXANDER	3015 CAROLWOOD TORRANCE, CA 90505-7109	310-530-6126
46.	TSENG, ALEXANDER	37 KAUILA APT A1 HONOLULU, HI 96813-1686	808-225-4991
47.	TSENG, ALEXANDER	1305 S MICHIGAN APT 1010 CHICAGO, IL 60605-3399	630-456-8834
48.	TSENG, ALEXANDER	1425 WARD APT RGW HONOLULU, HI 96822-3547	808-225-4991
49.	TSENG, ALICE	9328 CHERRY HILL APT 2 COLLEGE PARK, MD 20740-1256	301-728-8646
50.	TSENG, ALICE	210 S GARFIELD MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754-2904	626-280-1589
51.	TSENG, ALICE	1400 LAUREL APT W1605 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55403-1278	917-690-4873
52.	TSENG, ALICE	6 OAKLEY IRVINE, CA 92620-3298	714-747-6047
53.	TSENG, ALICE Y	6 OAKLEY IRVINE, CA 92620-3298	949-552-0271
54.	TSENG, ALICE	3420 PARSONS FLUSHING, NY 11354-4622	917-385-5673
55.	TSENG, ALICE	1930 RIDGE APT D202 EVANSTON, IL 60201-6234	312-841-8852
56.	TSENG, ALICE	380 E SHORE GREAT NECK, NY 11023-2402	917-868-4710
57.	TSENG, ALICE	5539 SULTANA AVE TEMPLE CITY, CA 91780-2351	626-285-5735
58.	TSENG, ALICE C	15610 TUSTIN VILLAGE APT 68 TUSTIN, CA 92780-4986	714-953-5408
59.	TSENG, ALICE Y	1600 VIA BARCELONA PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA 90274-2849	310-541-7798
60.	TSENG, ALICE	3131 WATKINS RIVERSIDE, CA 92507-3047	951-235-6873
61.	TSENG, ALICE	3027 WINDMILL TORRANCE, CA 90505-7140	310-357-9557
62.	TSENG, ALICE	DAVIS, CA 95616	530-219-7762
63.	TSENG, ALICE	VACAVILLE, CA 95687	707-514-7649
64.	TSENG, ALINA	DUARTE, CA 91010	626-392-1531
65.	TSENG, ALLEN	1566 ANDERSON FORT LEE, NJ 07024-2712	856-313-1719
66.	TSENG, ALLEN	1566 ANDERSON FORT LEE, NJ 07024-2712	856-313-9192
67.	TSENG, ALLEN	3170 DUBLIN SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94080-5328	626-322-7711
68.	TSENG, ALLEN	16544 OLD FOREST HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA 91745-3746	626-715-1185
69.	TSENG, ALLEN	2004 WARNER FORT WORTH, TX 76110-1216	817-343-2938
70.	TSENG, ALLEN	COLLINGSWOOD, NJ 08108	856-383-0637
71.	TSENG, ALLEN	EL MONTE, CA 91731	626-780-6669
72.	TSENG, ALLEN	EL MONTE, CA 91733	626-780-6669
73.	TSENG, ALTA K	618 E 9TH APT 4W NEW YORK, NY 10009-5227	415-305-7529
74.	TSENG, AMELIA	8017 N 3RD PHOENIX, AZ 85021-5608	602-326-1199
75.	TSENG, AMELIA	2508 S 98TH OMAHA, NE 68124-1910	402-301-8003
76.	TSENG, AMELIE	140 INWOOD MONTCLAIR, NJ 07043-2317	973-207-3874
77.	TSENG, AMI	1660 10TH SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122-3625	415-710-7218
78.	TSENG, AMIE	4830 HAIGHT SAN DIEGO, CA 92123-6429	858-571-0759
79.	TSENG, AMY J	1751 2ND APT 8A NEW YORK, NY 10128-5376	510-717-5870
80.	TSENG, AMY H	18907 BELSHIRE CERRITOS, CA 90703-8411	562-402-5286
81.	TSENG, AMY	721 E BLITHEDALE MILL VALLEY, CA 94941-1526	415-806-7458
82.	TSENG, AMY M	3015 CAROLWOOD TORRANCE, CA 90505-7109	310-530-6126
83.	TSENG, AMY H	19136 CECELIA CERRITOS, CA 90703-7325	562-402-5286
84.	TSENG, AMY	31917 CYPRESS GLEN LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92532-2606	626-330-8600
85.	TSENG, AMY H	3027 EGRET TER SAFETY HARBOR, FL 34695-5340	727-791-0559
86.	TSENG, AMY J	1722 GREENE RIDGE NAPERVILLE, IL 60565-6755	773-757-3237
87.	TSENG, AMY Y	7668 MASTERS ELK GROVE, CA 95758-7245	415-388-2288
88.	TSENG, AMY Y	7643 MASTERS ELK GROVE, CA 95758-7244	415-388-2288
89.	TSENG, AMY A	880 S NORTON LOS ANGELES, CA 90005-3656	323-509-6800
90.	TSENG, AMY	1333 RAPIDVIEW WALNUT, CA 91789-3828	909-468-9889
91.	TSENG, AMY	368 SUTTERWIND MILPITAS, CA 95035-4479	408-691-0397
92.	TSENG, AMY	LAS VEGAS, NV 89107	702-870-3496
93.	TSENG, AMY	LAS VEGAS, NV 89107	702-870-6610
94.	TSENG, AMY A	LOS ANGELES, CA 90065	323-509-6801
95.	TSENG, AMY H	SAN DIEGO, CA 92128	858-472-3702
96.	TSENG, AMY J	SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103	415-699-8125
97.	TSENG, ANDREA I	1702 FALL RIDGE CIR KATY, TX 77494-7516	281-574-1409
98.	TSENG, ANDREA C	12921 HEDDA ST CERRITOS, CA 90703-6110	562-865-5705
99.	TSENG, ANDREW	416 GRANT MAMARONECK, NY 10543-1410	917-690-2408
100.	TSENG, ANDREW	14722 JASMINE APT FLUSHING, NY 11355-2302	917-325-2279

 

Search:	Public Records: Surname
Terms:	last-name(tseng) maxresults(500)
Date/Time:	Wednesday, March 13, 2019 11:38 AM
Permissible Use:	Your DPPA Permissible Use: I have no permissible use Your GLBA Permissible Use: I have no permissible use

 

Copyright © 2019 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE (USPTO)

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING YOUR

U.S. TRADEMARK APPLICATION

 

USPTO OFFICE ACTION (OFFICIAL LETTER) HAS ISSUED

ON 3/13/2019 FOR U.S. APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 88231065

 

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 3/13/2019 (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.