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: 6/11/2019

 

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
• Identification of Goods and Services Indefinite – Amendment Required

 

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. 4286242.  Trademark Act Section 2(d), 15 U.S.C. §1052(d); see TMEP §§1207.01 et seq.  See the attached registrations.

 

Applicant applied-for the mark WSG in standard characters for “Downloadable computer game software; Downloadable electronic game programs; Downloadable computer game programs; Downloadable interactive game programs; Downloadable computer software platforms for on-line computer games, online e-sport computer games, online interactive computer games, online computer games in mobile wireless form, online computer games for social interaction, and online computer game applications; Electronic software updates, namely, downloadable computer software and associated data files for updating computer software in the fields of on-line computer games, online e-sport computer games, online interactive computer games, online computer games in mobile wireless form, online computer games for social interaction, and online computer game applications, provided via computer and communication networks; Downloadable video game software; Downloadable video game programs; Downloadable computer software platforms for social networking; Downloadable interactive video game programs; Downloadable electronic game programs; Downloadable computer software platforms for social networking that may be accessed via the internet, computers, computer operating systems and wireless devices; Downloadable computer software to enable uploading, posting, showing, displaying, tagging, blogging, sharing or otherwise providing electronic media or information in the fields of virtual communities, electronic gaming, entertainment, and general interest via the internet or other communications networks with third parties; Downloadable computer programs for video and computer games; Downloadable electronic game software for cellular telephones; Downloadable electronic game software for wireless devices; Downloadable electronic game software for use with social networking applications and on social networking websites” in Class 09 and “Arranging and conducting athletic competitions; Entertainment in the nature of golf tournaments; Entertainment in the nature of competitions in the field of athletic and sports events; Entertainment services, namely, arranging and conducting of competitions for athletic and sports events, competitions, exhibitions, tournaments and international tournaments rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via a global computer network or a commercial on-line service; Entertainment services, namely, providing computer gaming, e-sport gaming, on-line games, interactive games, mobile games, social games and game applications via the Internet; Providing information on-line relating to games enhancements within computer gaming, e-sport gaming, on-line games, interactive games, mobile games, social games and game applications; Providing online reviews of computer gaming, e-sport gaming, on-line games, interactive games, mobile games, social games and game applications; Entertainment services, namely, organizing and conducting an array of athletic events rendered live and recorded for the purpose of distribution through broadcast media; Entertainment services, namely, providing computer model of reality in which users can interact through social games for recreational, leisure or entertainment purposes; Production and distribution of motion pictures; Production and distribution of radio programs; Production and distribution of television shows and movies; Production of cable television programs; Providing news and information in the field of sports; Providing various facilities for an array of sporting events, sports and athletic competitions and awards programs; Providing games and game applications on social, mobile, personal electronic devices, portable electronic devices and gaming platforms; Providing interactive games and gaming via internet website portal; Providing electronic games by means of the Internet; Conducting and providing facilities for gaming contests and tournaments; Providing a web-based system and on-line portal for customers to participate in on-line gaming, operation and coordination of game tournaments, leagues and tours for recreational computer game playing purposes; Radio program syndication; Television program syndication; Betting services; Gambling services; Wagering services; Educational services, namely, conducting classes, seminars and workshops in the field of computer gaming, e-sport gaming, on-line games, interactive games, mobile games, social games and game applications; Providing of information relating to computer gaming, e-sport gaming, on-line games, interactive games, mobile games, social games and game applications; On-line gaming services; Entertainment services, namely, providing temporary use of non-downloadable interactive games; Organizing and conducting contests, tournaments and other games of chance for entertainment purposes; Organizing, conducting and operating live gaming contests and tournaments” in Class 41.

 

The cited marks is RN 4286242 – WSGF in standard characters for “Providing a website featuring information about electronic gaming” in  Class 41.

 

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 and differences in the marks.”); TMEP §1207.01.

 

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 Inn at St. John’s, LLC, 126 USPQ2d 1742, 1746 (TTAB 2018) (citing In re Davia, 110 USPQ2d 1810, 1812 (TTAB 2014)); TMEP §1207.01(b).

 

Here, the marks are nearly identical – WSG and WSGF, with the only difference being the addition of an F at the end of the registered mark. As a result, the marks are confusingly similar in sound, appearance, and commercial impression.

 

Marks may be confusingly similar in appearance despite the addition, deletion or substitution of letters or words.  See, e.g., Weiss Associates Inc. v. HRL Associates, Inc., 902 F.2d 1546, 14 USPQ2d 1840 (Fed. Cir. 1990) (TMM held confusingly similar to TMS, both for systems software); Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, N.A., v. Wells Fargo Bank, 811 F.2d 1490, 1 USPQ2d 1813 (Fed. Cir. 1987) (COMMCASH held likely to be confused with COMMUNICASH, both for banking goods); In re Lamson Oil Co., 6 USPQ2d 1041 (TTAB 1987) (TRUCOOL for synthetic coolant held likely to be confused with TURCOOL for cutting oil).  TMEP §1207.01(b)(ii). Here, the only difference is the addition of the F at the end of the registered mark.

 

The presence of the F at the end of the registered mark is significant because it renders it less likely to be used by consumer to differentiate the marks. Consumers are generally more inclined to focus on the first word, prefix, or syllable in any trademark or service mark.  See Palm Bay Imps., Inc. v. Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Maison Fondee En 1772, 396 F.3d 1369, 1372, 73 USPQ2d 1689, 1692 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (finding similarity between VEUVE ROYALE and two VEUVE CLICQUOT marks in part because “VEUVE . . . remains a ‘prominent feature’ as the first word in the mark and the first word to appear on the label”); Century 21 Real Estate Corp. v. Century Life of Am., 970 F.2d 874, 876, 23 USPQ2d 1698, 1700 (Fed Cir. 1992) (finding similarity between CENTURY 21 and CENTURY LIFE OF AMERICA in part because “consumers must first notice th[e] identical lead word”); see also In re Detroit Athletic Co., 903 F.3d 1297, 1303, 128 USPQ2d 1047, 1049 (Fed. Cir. 2018) (finding “the identity of the marks’ two initial words is particularly significant because consumers typically notice those words first”).

 

Ultimately, when purchasers call for the goods of applicant and registrant they are likely to be confused as the source of those goods due to the overall similarity between the marks. Thus, the marks are confusingly similar.

 

Relatedness of the Goods

 

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).

 

Here, applicant’s software for computer and electronic games and provision of electronic gaming contests and tournaments are closely related to registrant’s website featuring information about electronic gaming.

 

The attached Internet evidence, consisting of third-party websites, establishes that the same entity commonly sells downloadable game software and provides a website about electronic gaming under the same mark. Thus, applicant’s and registrant’s goods and services are considered related for likelihood of confusion purposes.  See, e.g., In re Davey Prods. Pty Ltd., 92 USPQ2d 1198, 1202-04 (TTAB 2009); In re Toshiba Med. Sys. Corp., 91 USPQ2d 1266, 1268-69, 1271-72 (TTAB 2009).

 

-        http://www.ea.com/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-20/buy/xbox-one#standard-edition; http://forums.ea.com/en/madden-nfl/categories/madden-nfl-series; http://www.ea.com/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-19/compete

-        http://forums.2k.com/forum.php; http://nba.2k.com/2k19/myteamtournament/; http://nba.2k.com/2k19/buy/#nba-2k19/nba-2k19-20th-anniversary-edition/united-states/xboxone

-        http://www.callofduty.com/blog, http://www.callofduty.com/esports/, http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/call-of-duty-black-ops-4

 

Additionally, the applicant uses broad wording to describe providing information relating to computer gaming, e-sport gaming, on-line games, interactive games, mobile games, social games and game applications, which presumably encompasses all goods and/or services of the type described, including registrant’s website featuring information about electronic gaming.  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 services 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 services of the parties have no restrictions as to nature, type, 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 services are related.

 

Ultimately, when purchasers encounter the goods of applicant and registrant, they are likely to be confused as to the source of the goods by the relationship between them. Thus, the goods are closely related.

 

Therefore, because the marks are confusingly similar and the goods are closely related, purchasers encountering these goods are likely to mistakenly believe that the goods emanate from a common source. Accordingly, there is a likelihood of confusion and registration is refused pursuant to Section 2(d) of the Trademark Act.

 

Response to Section 2(d) – Likelihood of Confusion Refusal

 

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

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

Applicant must also respond to the following requirements:

 

Identification of Goods and Services Indefinite – Amendment Required

 

The wording “Downloadable computer software to enable uploading, posting, showing, displaying, tagging, blogging, sharing or otherwise providing electronic media or information in the fields of virtual communities, electronic gaming, entertainment, and general interest via the internet or other communications networks with third parties” in the identification of goods is indefinite and must be clarified because the function of the software is not clear or definite. Software must indicate the function. The wording “or otherwise providing” does not provide the specific function of the software. Additionally, the field of use is unclear because the wording “virtual community” is not specific as to whether it modifies the type of media or information or the specific field in which the software is used. Finally, the wording “or other communications networks” does not identify the specific network on which the software is used, and therefore is indefinite. See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01.  

The wording “Providing games and game applications on social, mobile, personal electronic devices, portable electronic devices and gaming platforms,” “Providing interactive games and gaming via internet website portal,” “On-line gaming services,” “in the identification of services is indefinite and must be clarified because the nature of the gaming must be further specified.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01. 

 

The wording “Entertainment services, namely, arranging and conducting of competitions for athletic and sports events, competitions, exhibitions, tournaments and international tournaments rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via a global computer network or a commercial on-line service” is indefinite because the specific sport for the tournament must be indicated and nature of the events, and exhibitions must be specified.

 

The wording “Entertainment services, namely, providing computer gaming, e-sport gaming, on-line games, interactive games, mobile games, social games and game applications via the Internet” is indefinite because the nature of e-sport gaming, interactive games, mobile games, social games and game applications must be clarified.

 

The wording “Entertainment services, namely, providing computer model of reality in which users can interact through social games for recreational, leisure or entertainment purposes” is indefinite because the nature of a “computer model of reality” is not specific.

 

The wording “Conducting and providing facilities for gaming contests and tournaments,” “Organizing and conducting contests, tournaments and other games of chance for entertainment purposes,” “Organizing, conducting and operating live gaming contests and tournaments” is indefinite because the type of contest and tournament must be further specified.

 

The wording “Providing of information relating to computer gaming, e-sport gaming, on-line games, interactive games, mobile games, social games and game applications” is indefinite.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03.  This wording is indefinite because the nature of e-sport gaming, on-line games, interactive games, mobile games, social games and game applications is not sufficiently specific.

Applicant has included the term “or” in the identification of goods and services.  However, this term is generally not accepted in identifications when (1) it is unclear whether applicant is using the mark, or intends to use the mark, on all the identified goods and services; (2) the nature of the goods and services is unclear; or (3) classification cannot be determined from such wording.  See TMEP §1402.03(a).  In this case, it is unclear whether the applicant is using the mark, or intends to use the mark, on all of the identified goods and services.

An application must specify, in an explicit manner, the particular goods and services on or in connection with which the applicant uses, or has a bona fide intention to use, the mark in commerce.  See 15 U.S.C. §1051(a)(2), (b)(2); 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01.  Therefore, applicant should replace “or” with “and” in the identification of goods and services, if appropriate, or rewrite the identification with the “or” deleted and the goods and services specified using definite and unambiguous language. 

Applicant may substitute the following wording, if accurate (examiner’s suggestions in bold italics):

 

Class 09 - Downloadable computer game software; Downloadable electronic game programs; Downloadable computer game programs; Downloadable interactive game programs; Downloadable computer software platforms for on-line computer games, online e-sport computer games, online interactive computer games, online computer games in mobile wireless form, online computer games for social interaction, and online computer game applications; Electronic software updates, namely, downloadable computer software and associated data files for updating computer software in the fields of on-line computer games, online e-sport computer games, online interactive computer games, online computer games in mobile wireless form, online computer games for social interaction, and online computer game applications, provided via computer and communication networks; Downloadable video game software; Downloadable video game programs; Downloadable computer software platforms for social networking; Downloadable interactive video game programs; Downloadable electronic game programs; Downloadable computer software platforms for social networking that may be accessed via the internet, computers, computer operating systems and wireless devices; Downloadable computer software to enable uploading, posting, showing, displaying, tagging, blogging, sharing and otherwise providing by [specify or delete “otherwise providing”, e.g., graphically rendering, etc.]  electronic media or information in the fields of virtual communities in the nature of [clarify field of virtual communities, e.g., an e-sport social network, etc.], electronic gaming, entertainment, and general interest via the internet and other communications networks in the nature of [specify “other communication networks”, e.g., a global computer network, etc.] with third parties; Downloadable computer programs for video and computer games; Downloadable electronic game software for cellular telephones; Downloadable electronic game software for wireless devices; Downloadable electronic game software for use with social networking applications and on social networking websites

 

Class 41 - Arranging and conducting athletic competitions; Entertainment in the nature of golf tournaments; Entertainment in the nature of [specify the service provided, e.g., arranging, conducting, etc.] competitions in the field of athletic and sports events, namely, [specify type of event, e.g., golf competitions, etc.]; Entertainment services, namely, arranging and conducting of competitions for athletic and sports events in the nature of [specify the type of event, e.g., golf tournaments, etc.], [specify the type of competition, e.g., athletic, etc.] competitions, exhibitions in the nature of [specify type of exhibition, e.g., golf exhibitions, etc.], [specify type of tournament, e.g., golf, etc.] tournaments and international [specify type of tournament, e.g., golf, etc.] tournaments rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via a global computer network and a commercial on-line service; Entertainment services, namely, providing online computer gaming, electronic sport computer gaming, on-line computer games, interactive computer games, mobile computer games, computer electronic social games and computer game applications via the Internet; Providing information on-line relating to games enhancements within computer gaming, electronic sport computer gaming, on-line computer games, interactive computer games, mobile computer games, computer electronic social games and computer game applications; Providing online reviews of computer gaming, electronic sport computer gaming, on-line computer games, interactive computer games, mobile computer games, computer electronic social games and computer game applications; Entertainment services, namely, organizing and conducting an array of athletic events rendered live and recorded for the purpose of distribution through broadcast media; Entertainment services, namely, providing computer model of reality in the nature of [clarify nature of goods, e.g., s virtual reality game service, etc.] in which users can interact through social games for recreational, leisure or entertainment purposes on-line from a computer network; Production and distribution of motion pictures; Production and distribution of radio programs; Production and distribution of television shows and movies; Production of cable television programs; Providing news and information in the field of sports; Providing various facilities for an array of sporting events, sports and athletic competitions and awards programs; Providing [specify type of games, e.g., online computer, etc.] games and [specify type of game application, e.g., mobile computer, etc.] game applications on social, mobile, and personal electronic devices, portable electronic devices and computer gaming platforms; Providing interactive computer games and online computer gaming via internet website portal; Providing online electronic games by means of the Internet; Conducting and providing facilities for [specify type of gaming contests, e.g., electronic computer, etc.] gaming contests and [specify the sport, e.g., golf, etc.] tournaments; Providing a web-based system and on-line portal for customers to participate in on-line gaming, operation and coordination of game tournaments, leagues and tours for recreational computer game playing purposes; Radio program syndication; Television program syndication; Betting services; Gambling services; Wagering services; Educational services, namely, conducting classes, seminars and workshops in the field of computer gaming, e-sport gaming, on-line games, interactive games, mobile games, social games and game applications; Providing of information relating to computer gaming, computer gaming, electronic sport computer gaming, on-line computer games, interactive computer games, mobile computer games, computer electronic social games and computer game applications; On-line gaming services, namely, [specify the nature of services, e.g., providing online computer games, providing online electronic games, etc.]; Entertainment services, namely, providing temporary use of non-downloadable interactive games; Organizing and conducting contests in the nature of [specify type of contest, e.g., online electronic gaming competitions, etc.], [specify type of tournament, e.g., golf, electronic computer game, etc.] tournaments and other games of chance, in particular, [specify game of chance, e.g., online poker games, etc.] for entertainment purposes; Organizing, conducting and operating live gaming contests featuring [specify nature of contest, e.g., trivia questions and answers, poker games, online computer games, etc.] and [specify type of tournament, e.g., golf, electronic computer, etc.] tournaments

 

Advisory: Applicant Cannot Broaden the Scope of the Goods and Services

 

Applicant may amend the identification to clarify or limit the goods and services, but not to broaden or expand the goods and 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 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.

 

Advisory: TEAS Plus and TEAS RF Requirements

 

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.  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.  

 

Responding to this Office Action

 

For this application to proceed further, applicant must explicitly address each refusal and/or requirement raised in this Office action.  If the action includes a refusal, applicant may provide arguments and/or evidence as to why the refusal should be withdrawn and the mark should register.  Applicant may also have other options specified in this Office action for responding to a refusal and should consider those options carefully.  To respond to requirements and certain refusal response options, applicant should set forth in writing the required changes or statements.  For more information and general tips on responding to USPTO Office actions, response options, and how to file a response online, see “Responding to Office Actions” on the USPTO’s website.

 

If applicant does not respond to this Office action within six months of the issue/mailing date, or responds by expressly abandoning the application, the application process will end and the trademark will fail to register.  See 15 U.S.C. §1062(b); 37 C.F.R. §§2.65(a), 2.68(a); TMEP §§718.01, 718.02.  Additionally, the USPTO will not refund the application filing fee, which is a required processing fee.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.6(a)(1)(i)-(iv), 2.209(a); TMEP §405.04.

 

When an application has abandoned for failure to respond to an Office action, an applicant may timely file a petition to revive the application, which, if granted, would allow the application to return to active status.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.66; TMEP §1714.  The petition must be filed within two months of the date of issuance of the notice of abandonment and may be filed online via the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) with a $100 fee.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.6(a)(15)(ii), 2.66(b)(1).

 

If applicant has any questions or needs further assistance, please telephone the assigned examining attorney.

 

 

/John T. Billings/

John T. Billings

Trademark Examining Attorney

Law Office 113

(571) 272-0186

john.billings@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 6/11/2019 FOR U.S. APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 88411068

 

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 6/11/2019 (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.