Offc Action Outgoing

United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Office Action (Official Letter) About Applicant’s Trademark Application

 

 

 

NONFINAL OFFICE ACTION

 

The USPTO must receive applicant’s response to this letter within six months of the issue date below or the application will be abandoned.  Respond using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).  A link to the appropriate TEAS response form appears at the end of this Office action. 

 

 

Issue date:  July 15, 2019

 

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 OF OFFICE’S DATABASE OF MARKS

 

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).

 

 

IDENTIFICATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES

 

Portions of the identification of goods and services are indefinite and must be clarified because the nature of many of the goods and services is unclear.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01.  Applicant must amend the identification to specify the common commercial or generic name of the goods/services.  See TMEP §1402.01.  If the goods have no common commercial or generic name, applicant must describe the product, its main purpose, and its intended uses.  See id.  If the services have no common commercial or generic name, applicant must describe or explain the nature of the services using clear and succinct language.  See id.

See proposed changes in BOLD below. 

Applicant may adopt the following wording, if accurate: 

 

International Class 9:          Scientific, nautical, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signalling, checking and supervision, life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments, namely, {specify the common commercial name of the goods}; apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling electricity, namely, {specify the common commercial name of the goods}; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; {specify either blank or prerecorded and indicate the subject matter} magnetic data carriers, recording discs; compact discs, DVDs and other digital recording media in the nature of {specify the common commercial name of the media} featuring {indicate subject matter}; mechanisms for coin-operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating machines, data processing equipment, namely, {specify, e.g. couplers}, computers; Downloadable computer software for {specify the function of the software, e.g., use as a spreadsheet, word processing, etc. and, if software is content- or field-specific, the content or field of use}; fire-extinguishing apparatus; downloadable electronically recorded data featuring {indicate subject matter, e.g., income tax forms, recipes, etc.}; information technology and audiovisual equipment, namely, {specify the common commercial name of the goods}; magnets, magnetizers and demagnetizers; optical devices, enhancers and correctors, namely, {specify the common commercial name of the goods}; safety, security, protection and signalling devices, namely, {specify the common commercial name of the goods}; diving equipment, namely, {specify the common commercial name of the equipment, e.g. namely, protective diving shoes}; navigation, global positioning system tracking and location devices; downloadable electronic maps; measuring, detecting and monitoring instruments, indicators and controllers, namely, {specify the common commercial name of the goods}; educational apparatus and simulators, namely, {specify the common commercial name of the apparatus and simulators, e.g. manipulative blocks used as teaching aids for the visualization of math concepts}; computer game programmes downloadable via the Internet; computer game software, {specify, e.g. downloadable from a global computer network}; computer game entertainment software {specify, e.g. downloadable from a global computer network}; downloadable software for {specify the function of the software, e.g., use as a spreadsheet, word processing, etc. and, if software is content- or field-specific, the content or field of use}; downloadable electronic games; {specify, e.g. downloadable, recorded} game software; {specify downloadable, recorded} interactive multimedia computer game programs; {specify downloadable, recorded} games software for use on mobile phones, tablets and other electronic mobile devices; {specify downloadable, recorded} games software downloadable to mobile phones, tablets and other electronic mobile devices; Downloadable computer software for {specify the function of the software, e.g., use as a spreadsheet, word processing, etc. and, if software is content- or field-specific, the content or field of use} for use on mobile phones, tablets and other electronic mobile devices; Downloadable computer software for {specify the function of the software, e.g., use as a spreadsheet, word processing, etc. and, if software is content- or field-specific, the content or field of use} downloadable to mobile phones, tablets and other electronic mobile devices; {specify, e.g. downloadable, recorded} computer game applications software; cases and covers for mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers and netbooks, portable media players, cameras and other photographic equipment; laptop bags; lanyards and straps for mobile phones; eyewear; eye glasses; summer {specify the nature of the glasses, e.g. eye} glasses; sunglasses; mobile phone covers; radios incorporating alarm clocks

International Class 41:           Education services, namely, providing non-downloadable webinars in the field of {indicate specific field, e.g., pet care, math, tax preparation}; Providing on-line training {indicate form of training, e.g., courses, seminars, workshops, etc.} in the field of {indicate subject matter of courses}; entertainment services, namely, {specify the common commercial name of the services}; Providing information relating to organizing community sporting and cultural activities; {specify, e.g. Digital video, audio, and multimedia} publishing services and {specify the nature of the reporting services, e.g. editorial} reporting services; translation and {specify the nature of the services, e.g. language} interpretation; electronic games services, namely, provision of computer games on line, on social networks, or by means of a global computer network; providing electronic games by means of the internet for use on mobile phones, tablets and other electronic mobile devices; Providing information on-line relating to computer games and computer enhancements for games; providing electronic games by means of the internet for download to mobile phones, tablets and other electronic mobile devices; providing interactive single and multi-player electronic games via the internet, electronic communication networks or via a global computer network; multimedia publishing of computer game software, electronic games and video game software

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.

 

 

DUAL FILING BASIS

 

The application specifies both an intent to use basis under Trademark Act Section 1(b) and a claim of priority under Section 44(d) based on a foreign application.  See 15 U.S.C. §§1051(b), 1126(d); 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(2), (a)(4).  However, no copy of a foreign registration has been provided even though the application indicates applicant’s intent to rely on Section 44(e) as an additional basis for registration.  See 15 U.S.C. §1126(e).

 

An application with a Section 44(e) basis must include a true copy, photocopy, certification, or certified copy of a foreign registration from an applicant’s country of origin.  15 U.S.C. §1126(e); 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(3)(ii); TMEP §§1004, 1004.01, 1016.  In addition, an applicant’s country of origin must be a party to a convention or treaty relating to trademarks to which the United States is also a party, or must extend reciprocal registration rights to nationals of the United States by law.  15 U.S.C. §1126(b); TMEP §§1002.01, 1004.

 

Therefore, applicant must provide a copy of the foreign registration from applicant’s country of origin when it becomes available.  TMEP §1003.04(a).  A copy of a foreign registration must consist of a document issued to an applicant by, or certified by, the intellectual property office in applicant’s country of origin.  TMEP §1004.01.  If applicant’s country of origin does not issue registrations or Madrid Protocol certificates of extension of protection, applicant may submit a copy of the Madrid Protocol international registration that shows that protection of the international registration has been extended to applicant’s country of origin.  TMEP §1016.  In addition, applicant must also provide an English translation if the foreign registration is not written in English.  37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(3)(ii); TMEP §1004.01(a)-(b).  The translation should be signed by the translator.  TMEP §1004.01(b).

 

If the foreign registration has not yet issued, or applicant requires additional time to procure a copy of the foreign registration (and English translation, as appropriate), applicant should so inform the trademark examining attorney and request that the U.S. application be suspended until a copy of the foreign registration is available.  TMEP §§716.02(b), 1003.04(b).

 

If applicant cannot satisfy the requirements of a Section 44(e) basis, applicant may request that the mark be approved for publication based solely on the Section 1(b) basis.  See 15 U.S.C. §§1051(b), 1126(e); 37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(1); TMEP §§806.02(f), 806.04(b), 1003.04(b).  Although the mark may be approved for publication on the Section 1(b) basis, it will not register until an acceptable allegation of use has been filed.  See 15 U.S.C. §1051(c)-(d); 37 C.F.R. §§2.76, 2.88; TMEP §1103.  Please note that, if the U.S. application satisfied the requirements of Section 44(d) as of the U.S. application filing date, applicant may retain the priority filing date under Section 44(d) without perfecting the Section 44(e) basis, provided there is a continuing valid basis for registration.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(3)-(4); TMEP §§806.02(f), 806.04(b). 

 

Alternatively, applicant has the option to amend the application to rely solely on the Section 44(e) basis and request deletion of the Section 1(b) basis.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(1); TMEP §806.04.  The foreign registration alone may serve as the basis for obtaining a U.S. registration.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(3); TMEP §806.01(d).

 

 

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.  

 

 

How to respond.  Click to file a response to this nonfinal Office action  

 

 

/Bridgett G. Smith/

Trademark Examining Attorney

United States Patent and Trademark Office

Law Office 115

(571) 272-9482 phone/(571) 273-9482 fax

Bridgett.smith@uspto.gov

 

 

RESPONSE GUIDANCE

• Missing the response deadline to this letter will cause the application to abandon.  A response or notice of appeal must be received by the USPTO before midnight Eastern Time of the last day of the response period.  TEAS and ESTTA maintenance or unforeseen circumstances could affect an applicant’s ability to timely respond.  

 

• Responses signed by an unauthorized party are not accepted and can cause the application to abandon.  If applicant does not have an attorney, the response must be signed by the individual applicant, all joint applicants, or someone with legal authority to bind a juristic applicant.  If applicant has an attorney, the response must be signed by the attorney.

 

• If needed, find contact information for the supervisor of the office or unit listed in the signature block.

 

United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

 

USPTO OFFICIAL NOTICE

 

Office Action (Official Letter) has issued

on July 15, 2019 for

U.S. Trademark Application Serial No. 88399959

 

Your trademark application has been reviewed by a trademark examining attorney.  As part of that review, the assigned attorney has issued an official letter that you must respond to by the specified deadline or your application will be abandoned.  Please follow the steps below.

 

(1)  Read the official letter.

 

(2)  Direct questions about the contents of the Office action to the assigned attorney below. 

 

 

/Bridgett G. Smith/

Trademark Examining Attorney

United States Patent and Trademark Office

Law Office 115

(571) 272-9482 phone/(571) 273-9482 f

 

Direct questions about navigating USPTO electronic forms, the USPTO website, the application process, the status of your application, and/or whether there are outstanding deadlines or documents related to your file to the Trademark Assistance Center (TAC).

 

(3)  Respond within 6 months (or earlier, if required in the Office action) from July 15, 2019, using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).  The response must be received by the USPTO before midnight Eastern Time of the last day of the response period.  See the Office action for more information about how to respond.

 

 

 

GENERAL GUIDANCE

·       Check the status of your application periodically in the Trademark Status & Document Retrieval (TSDR) database to avoid missing critical deadlines.

 

·       Update your correspondence email address, if needed, to ensure you receive important USPTO notices about your application.

 

·       Beware of misleading notices sent by private companies about your application.  Private companies not associated with the USPTO use public information available in trademark registrations to mail and email trademark-related offers and notices – most of which require fees.  All official USPTO correspondence will only be emailed from the domain “@uspto.gov.”