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: 6/17/2019

 

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.

 

DEFERRED SEARCH OF OFFICE’S DATABASE OF MARKS

 

The trademark examining attorney has searched the Office’s database of registered and pending marks for Class 041 definite identifications only. TMEP §704.02; see 15 U.S.C. §1052(d).

 

Please Note

 

The USPTO strongly discourages the use of the language of the international class headings or statements that the mark is used on all goods or services in a class to identify the goods or services for which registration of the mark is sought, and will generally require amendment of any such identification. See In re Fiat Grp. Mktg. & Corporate Commc'ns S.p.A., 109 USPQ2d 1593, 1598 (TTAB 2014) (stating that "use of the words comprising a class heading as an identification in an application filed with the USPTO is not deemed to include all the goods or services in the established scope of that class"); TMEP §1402.07(a). See also TMEP §1402.01 regarding use of "included in this class" and similar wording. 

 

Note also that an applicant is required to submit a verified statement that the applicant is either using the mark in commerce or has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce on or in connection with all the goods and/or services set forth in the identification. It is unlikely that any applicant is using or intends to use a mark on all goods or services within a certain class. If an applicant claims use or asserts a bona fide intention to use the mark on all goods/services in a particular class but only uses or intends to use the mark on some of those goods/services, the resulting registration could be void. In re Bose Corp., 580 F.3d 1240, 91 USPQ2d 1938 (Fed. Cir. 2009) ; Torres v. Cantine Torresella S.r.l., 808 F.2d 46, 1 USPQ2d 1483 (Fed. Cir. 1986).

 

A review of the merits of the application is deferred, and a search of the USPTO’s database of registered and pending marks is deferred in part, until applicant responds to this Office action by satisfying one of the following:

 

(1)       Specify the number of classes for which registration is sought and provide the filing fees for all such classes.

 

(2)       Delete class(es) from the application not covered by the fee(s) already submitted. 

 

See TMEP §§810.01, 1401.04. 

 

The application was filed online as a Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) Reduced Fee (RF) application and therefore the filing fee per class was $275.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.6(a)(1)(i)-(iii); TMEP §810.  The application identifies goods and/or services in at least 18 class(es), which require a total of fees in the amount of $4950.  Applicant submitted $275 with the application.  The fee(s) submitted was sufficient for only 1 class. 

 

SUMMARY OF ISSUES:

•  Identification and Classification Requirement

IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENT

 

Applicant has classified their goods and services in International Class 041.  However, the proper classification for each item is as shown below. 

 

Additionally, applicant has provided the application fee for only 1 international class(es).  Thus, not all international classes in the application are covered by the application fee(s).  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.

 

Moreover, the wording “clothing” and “apparel” in the identification of goods is indefinite and too broad and must be clarified because the word does not make clear the nature of the goods and could identify goods in more than one international class.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03.  The following are examples of acceptable identifications:  “clothing for protection against accidents, irradiation and fire” in International Class 9; “surgical gowns” in International Class 10; “pet clothing” in International Class 18; and “shirts,” “shorts,” and “pants” in International Class 25.  Therefore, applicant must amend the identification to specify the type of clothing.

 

If applicant’s “clothing” and “apparel” is in International Class 25, applicant may amend the identification to insert the word “namely,” after “clothing” and “apparel” and then list the specific types of clothing items in that class (e.g., shirts, pants, coats, dresses). 

 

Also, the identification for educational services is indefinite because it does not indicate the type of educational service provided.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01.  For example, applicant could be providing seminars on a particular topic, analyzing educational test scores and data for others, or providing educational testing. 

 

Applicant must specify the nature of the educational service being provided.  If applicant is providing classes or similar group learning activities, the identification must specify (1) the form of the activity (e.g., classes, seminars, workshops) and (2) the subject matter or field (e.g., retirement benefits, nutrition, business management). 

 

Furthermore, the wording “and all other goods” and “and all other services” in the identification of services is indefinite and must be clarified by (1) specifying the common commercial or generic name for these services, or (2) deleting this wording.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03(a).  This wording is an open-ended “catch-all” word or phrase (e.g., “etc.,” “and other similar services,” “and related services”) that is not acceptable because it fails to identify specific services.  See TMEP §1402.03(a). 

 

In an identification, an applicant must use the common commercial or generic name for the services, be specific and all-inclusive, and avoid using indefinite words or phrases.  TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03(a).  Further, applicant may amend the identification to list only those items that are within the scope of the services set forth in the initial application or as acceptably amended.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.71(a); TMEP §§1402.06 et seq., 1402.07.  Scope is generally determined by the ordinary meaning of the wording in the identification.  TMEP §1402.07(a).

 

The identification for software in International Class 041 is 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.

 

Moreover, the wording “tape; discs,” “bags,” “toys,” and “cards” in the identification of services for International Class 041 must be clarified because it is too broad and could include services or goods in other international classes.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03.  For example, the wording toys could encompass “Sex toys” in Class 010 and “Action figure toys” in Class 028.

 

The wording “Entertainment services; arranging and conducting entertainment and educational exhibitions, conferences, and symposia, producing video games and multimedia entertainment,” “Prerecorded downloads; ringtones, downloads,” “baggage,” “containers for beverages,” “bedding,” and “Games, toys and playthings, sporting goods, video games” in the identification of services and goods is indefinite and must be clarified because it is unclear what these goods or services are.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01.  Applicant must amend this wording to specify the common commercial or generic name of the services.  See TMEP §1402.01.  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.

 

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

 

Class 007

 

Vacuum cleaner bags

 

Class 008

 

Knife bags

 

Class 009

 

Prerecorded music downloads, Prerecorded ringtones downloads, Blank floppy computer discs, Measuring tapes and Downloadable credit screening software, all in the field of music, dance, dramatic, theatrical, comedic and audiovisual long- and short-form animated and live-action entertainment; cases for mobile telephones and computers, computer game cartridges and discs; Downloadable accounting software for use in the construction industry for contract bidding and job accounting for personal and mobile computing devices; headphones; sunglasses; Microchip cards; Computer bags

 

Class 010

 

Cards printed with lines of varying widths used for testing and analyzing vision; Douche bags; Sex toys

 

Class 012

 

Vehicle brake discs; Inflatable air bags for use in vehicles for the prevention of injury in accidents

 

Class 013

 

Ammunition bags

 

Class 014

 

Keychains; clocks and watches

 

Class 016

 

Paper tape; Paper and paper goods, stationery, Scratch cards, posters, pens, pencils, decals,

 

Class 018

 

Barrel Bags, baggage tags, luggage, totes bags, carrying cases, satchels, valises, purses, wallets

 

Class 017

 

Duct tapes

 

Class 021

 

Lunch boxes; Heat-insulated containers for beverages, dishes, plates, cups, mugs

 

Class 024

 

Bedding, namely, Bed sheets

 

Class 025

 

Clothing and wearing apparel, namely, Panties

 

Class 026

 

Ornamental novelty buttons and pins

 

Class 028

 

Flying discs; Game cards; paper party favors; punching bags; Backgammon Games, Action figure toys and Beanbags in the form of playthings, sporting goods, namely, carriers specially adapted for sport balls, Coin-operated video games and gaming machines

 

Class 038

 

Providing an on-line forum for virtual vehicle customization

 

Class 041

 

Entertainment services, namely, cabarets; Educational services in the nature of beauty schools; production and distribution of music, films and television shows; fan club services; arranging and conducting entertainment and educational exhibitions, conferences, and symposia for producing video games and multimedia entertainment, namely, arranging and conducting business congresses for video game production; production and distribution of virtual reality games and augmented reality entertainment

 

Class 045

 

Online Social networking services; Licensing services in the field of intellectual property

 

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 REQUIREMENTS

 

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 18 classes; however, applicant submitted a fee(s) sufficient for only 1 class(es).  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.

 

RESPONSE GUIDELINES

 

 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.

 

If applicant has questions regarding this Office action, please telephone or e-mail the assigned trademark examining attorney.  All relevant e-mail communications will be placed in the official application record; however, an e-mail communication will not be accepted as a response to this Office action and will not extend the deadline for filing a proper response.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(c), 2.191; TMEP §§304.01-.02, 709.04-.05.  Further, although the trademark examining attorney may provide additional explanation pertaining to the refusal(s) and/or requirement(s) in this Office action, the trademark examining attorney may not provide legal advice or statements about applicant’s rights.  See TMEP §§705.02, 709.06.

 

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.  

 

 

 

Dean, Jules

/Jules Dean/

Trademark Examining Attorney, Law Office 120

Phone: (571) 272-5322

Jules.Dean@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 6/17/2019 FOR U.S. APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 88437740

 

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 6/17/2019 (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.