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:  August 30, 2019

 

 

Database Search: 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).

 

Application Has Been Reviewed: The referenced application has been reviewed by the assigned trademark examining attorney.  To avoid abandonment, the 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 Applicant Must Address

• Refusal Based on Trademark Act Section 2(e)(4) – Surname Significance of the Mark
• Additional Information about the Mark
• Disclaimer
• Identification and Classification of Goods

 

Possible Additional Issue

• Multiple Class Application Requirements

 

Refusal Based on Trademark Act Section 2(e)(4) – Surname Significance of the Mark

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 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.

 

The evidence attached at the end of this Office action from the LEXISNEXIS® surname database establishes the surname significance of the name WRIGHT.  This evidence, consisting of a sample of 50 entries, shows that the applied-for mark appears 22,323 times as a surname in the database, which is a weekly updated directory of cell phone and other phone numbers (such as voice over IP) from various data providers. 

 

Combining a surname with a term that is merely descriptive, primarily geographically descriptive or deceptively misdescriptive, or generic of an applicant’s goods or services typically does not “detract from the primary surname significance” of the mark.  Azeka Bldg. Corp. v. Azeka, 122 USPQ2d 1477, 1481-82, 1481 n.9 (TTAB 2017) (construing In re Hutchinson Tech. Inc., 852 F.2d 552, 554, 7 USPQ2d 1490, 1492-93 (Fed. Cir. 1988)); see TMEP §1211.01(b)(vi).

 

Specifically, attached dictionary entry shows that a square is a hand tool.  The term “square” is a descriptive term that does not create a separate, distinct commercial impression from the surname WRIGHT.  

 

For these reasons, the examining attorney finds that because the mark is primarily merely a surname, registration of the applicant's mark is barred under Section 2(e)(4) of the Trademark Act.

 

Additional Information about the Mark

To permit proper examination of the application, the applicant must indicate whether the name WRIGHT identifies a person associated with the applicant’s business.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.61(b); TMEP §814.

 

The applicant should note that a term that is the surname of an individual applicant or that of an officer, founder, owner, or principal of applicant’s business is probative evidence of the term’s surname significance.  TMEP §1211.02(b)(iv); see, e.g., In re Etablissements Darty et Fils, 759 F.2d 15, 16, 225 USPQ 652, 653 (Fed. Cir. 1985) (holding DARTY primarily merely a surname where “Darty” was the surname of applicant’s corporate president); In re Eximius Coffee, LLC, 120 USPQ2d 1276, 1278-80 (TTAB 2016) (holding ALDECOA primarily merely a surname where ALDECOA was the surname of the founder and individuals continuously involved in the business); In re Integrated Embedded, 120 USPQ2d 1504, 1507 (TTAB 2016) (holding BARR GROUP primarily merely a surname where BARR was the surname of the co-founder and applicant’s corporate officer and GROUP was found “incapable of lending source-identifying significance to the mark”); Miller v. Miller, 105 USPQ2d 1615, 1620, 1622-23 (TTAB 2013) (holding MILLER LAW GROUP primarily merely a surname where “Miller” was the surname of the applicant and the term “law group” was found generic).

 

Applicant’s Response to Surname Refusal

In response to the surname refusal, the applicant may (1) claim acquired distinctiveness of the mark or (2) file an allegation of use of the mark and amend the application to seek registration on the Supplemental Register.

 

Claim of Acquired Distinctiveness

A mark deemed primarily merely a surname may be registered on the Principal Register under Trademark Act Section 2(f) by satisfying one of the following:

 

1)     Submit a claim of ownership of one or more active prior registrations on the Principal Register for a mark that is the same as the mark in the application and for the same or related goods and/or services.  37 C.F.R. §2.41(a)(1); TMEP §§1212, 1212.04.  The following wording is suggested: “The mark has become distinctive of the goods and services as evidenced by the ownership of active U. S. Registration No. 1372182 on the Principal Register for the same mark for sufficiently similar goods and/or services.”  TMEP § 1212.04(e).  A copy of this registration is attached.

 

2)     Submit the following statement, verified with an affidavit or signed declaration under 37 C.F.R. 37 §2,20: “The mark has become distinctive of the goods and/or services through the applicant’s substantially exclusive and continuous use of the mark in commerce that the U.S. Congress may lawfully regulate for at least five years immediately before the date of this statement.”  37 C.F.R. §2.41(a)(1); TMEP §§1212.05(d), see 37 C.F.R. §2.193(e)(1).; or

 

3)     Submit actual evidence of acquired distinctiveness.  37 C.F.R. §2.41(a)(3); TMEP §§1212.06.  Such evidence may include the following: examples of advertising and promotional materials that specifically promote the applied-for mark as a trademark and/or service mark in the United States; dollar figures for advertising devoted to such promotion; dealer and consumer statements of recognition of the applied-for mark as a trademark and/or service mark; and any other evidence that establishes recognition of the applied-for mark as a source-identifier for the goods and/or services.  See In re Ideal Indus., Inc., 508 F.2d 1336, 184 USPQ 487 (C.C.P.A. 1975); In re Instant Transations Corp. of Am., 201 USPQ 957 (TTAB 1979); TMEP §§1212.06 et. seq.

 

Trademark Act Section 2(f), 15 U.S.C. §1052(f); see 37 C.F.R. §2.41; TMEP §§1211, 1212.

 

Amendment to Supplemental Register

The applied-for mark has been refused registration on the Principal Register.  The applicant may respond to the refusal by submitting evidence and arguments in support of registration and/or by amending the application to seek registration on the Supplemental Register.  See 15 U.S.C. §1091; 37 C.F.R. §§2.47, 2.75(a); TMEP §§801.02(b), 816.  Amending to the Supplemental Register does not preclude applicant from submitting evidence and arguments against the refusal.  TMEP §816.04.

 

Although registration on the Supplemental Register does not afford all the benefits of registration on the Principal Register, it does provide the following advantages to the registrant:

 

(1)       Use of the registration symbol ® with the registered mark in connection with the designated goods and/or services, which provides public notice of the registration and potentially deters third parties from using confusingly similar marks.

 

(2)       Inclusion of the registered mark in the USPTO’s database of registered and pending marks, which will (a) make it easier for third parties to find it in trademark search reports, (b) provide public notice of the registration, and thus (c) potentially deter third parties from using confusingly similar marks.

 

(3)       Use of the registration by a USPTO trademark examining attorney as a bar to registering confusingly similar marks in applications filed by third parties.

 

(4)       Use of the registration as a basis to bring suit for trademark infringement in federal court, which, although more costly than state court, means judges with more trademark experience, often faster adjudications, and the opportunity to seek an injunction, actual damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

(5)       Use of the registration as a filing basis for a trademark application for registration in certain foreign countries, in accordance with international treaties.

 

See 15 U.S.C. §§1052(d), 1091, 1094; J. Thomas McCarthy, McCarthy on Trademarks & Unfair Competition §§19:33, 19:37 (rev. 4th ed. Supp. 2017).

 

 

A mark in an application under Trademark Act Section 1(b) is not eligible for registration on the Supplemental Register until an acceptable amendment to allege use under 37 C.F.R. §2.76 has been filed.  37 C.F.R. §§2.47(d), 2.75(b); TMEP §§815.02, 1102.03.  When a Section 1(b) application is successfully amended 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 the amendment to allege use.  TMEP §§816.02, 1102.03; see 37 C.F.R. §2.75(b).

 

To amend an intent-to-use application under Trademark Act Section 1(b) to use in commerce, an applicant must file, prior to approval of the mark for publication, an acceptable amendment to allege use.  See 15 U.S.C. §1051(c); 37 C.F.R. §2.76; TMEP §§806.01(b), 1103.  An amendment to allege use must satisfy the following requirements:

 

(1)       STATEMENTS:  The following statements:  “The applicant is the owner of the mark sought to be registered.” and “The applicant is using the mark in commerce on or in connection with all the goods/services in the application or notice of allowance, or as subsequently modified.”

 

(2)       DATES OF FIRST USE:  The date of first use of the mark anywhereon or in connection with the goods and/or services, and the date of first use of the mark in commerceas a trademark or service mark.  See more information about dates of use.

 

(3)       GOODS AND/OR SERVICES:  The goods and/or services specified in the application.

 

(4)       SPECIMEN:  A specimen showing how applicant uses the mark in commerce for each class of goods and/or services for which use is being asserted.  If a single specimen supports multiple classes, applicant should indicate which classes the specimen supports rather than providing multiple copies of the same specimen.  See more information about specimens.

 

(5)       FEE(S):  A filing fee for each international class of goods and/or services for which use is being asserted (find current fee information).

 

(6)       VERIFICATION:  Verification of (1) through (4) above in an affidavit or signed declaration under 37 C.F.R. §2.20.  See more information about verification.

 

See 37 C.F.R. §2.76(b); TMEP §1104.08.

 

An amendment to allege use may be filed online via the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).  Filing an amendment to allege use is not considered a response to an Office action.  37 C.F.R. §2.76(h); TMEP §1104.  An applicant must file a separate response to any outstanding Office action.  TMEP §1104; see 37 C.F.R. §2.76(h). 

 

If the applicant responds to the refusal, the applicant must also respond to the requirements set forth below.

 

Disclaimer

The applicant must provide a disclaimer of the unregistrable part of the applied-for mark.  See 15 U.S.C. §1056(a); TMEP §§1213, 1213.03(a).  A disclaimer of an unregistrable part of a mark will not affect the mark’s appearance.  See Schwarzkopf v. John H. Breck, Inc., 340 F.2d 978, 979-80, 144 USPQ 433, 433 (C.C.P.A. 1965).

 

In this case, the applicant must disclaim the exclusive right to use of “SQUARE” because it is not inherently distinctive.  This word is merely descriptive of a feature of the applicant’s goods.  See 15 U.S.C. §1052(e)(1); DuoProSS Meditech Corp. v. Inviro Med. Devices, Ltd., 695 F.3d 1247, 1251, 103 USPQ2d 1753, 1755 (Fed. Cir. 2012); TMEP §§1213, 1213.03(a).  As noted above, the attached dictionary entry shows that a square is a hand tool.  This evidence is linked to the goods at issue in that the evidence shows that “square” is descriptive of the goods.  The applicant’s goods are described broadly enough to include hand tool squares.

 

The applicant may respond to this issue by submitting a disclaimer in the following format: 

 

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

 

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

 

Identification and Classification of Goods

The identification of goods is unacceptable because the terms “hand tools” and “sockets” are indefinite.   See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01.  The applicant must indicate the specific types of hand tools, e.g., squares, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers.  The nature of the sockets must also be indicated.  Socket sets and socket wrenches are classified in Class 8, and electric sockets are classified in Class 9, for example.

 

To resolve this issue, the applicant may adopt the following identification and classification, if accurate (added wording given in bold): 

 

• Hand tools, namely, [indicate specific types of hand tools, e.g., squares, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers]; socket sets; socket wrenches; hand tools, namely, socket sets; socket spanners (Class 8)

 

• Electric sockets (Class 9)

 

The applicant’s goods may be clarified or limited but may not be expanded beyond those originally itemized in the application or as acceptably amended.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.71(a); TMEP §1402.06.  The applicant may clarify or limit the identification by inserting qualifying language or deleting items to result in a more specific identification; however, the applicant may not substitute different goods and/or services or add goods and/or services not found or encompassed by those in the original application or as acceptably amended.  See TMEP §1402.06(a)-(b).  The scope of the goods and/or services sets the outer limit for any changes to the identification and is generally determined by the ordinary meaning of the wording in the identification.  TMEP §§1402.06(b), 1402.07(a)-(b).  Any acceptable changes to the goods and/or services will further limit scope, and once goods and/or services are deleted, they are not permitted to be reinserted.  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 in more than one class; therefore, the applicant must satisfy all the requirements below for each 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 fees already paid (view the USPTO’s current fee schedule).  The application identifies goods that are classified in at least two classes; however, the applicant submitted fees sufficient for only one class.  The 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.

 

Information for TEAS Applicants

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  

 

 

/Leigh Caroline Case/

Examining Attorney

Law Office 118

(571) 272-9140

leigh.case@uspto.gov (preferred)

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Search:            Public Records : Surname

Terms: last-name(Wright) maxresults(500)

 

Total number found: 22323 

No.      Name  Address           Phone

                       

1.         WRIGHT, A    9916 BEAVERLAND

DETROIT, MI 48239-1319    313-575-9114 

                       

2.         WRIGHT, A    25 KIDS

HAVANA, FL 32333-3716    850-539-4565 

                       

3.         WRIGHT, A    26050 UNDERWOOD

HAYWARD, CA 94544-2718            510-589-5984 

                       

4.         WRIGHT, A                205-767-6941 

                       

5.         WRIGHT, A                317-628-7208 

                       

6.         WRIGHT, A                404-574-7118 

                       

7.         WRIGHT, A                404-879-8325 

                       

8.         WRIGHT, A                404-985-2257 

                       

9.         WRIGHT, A                513-258-3228 

                       

10.       WRIGHT, A                540-519-3038 

                       

11.       WRIGHT, A                601-494-5110 

                       

12.       WRIGHT, A                615-638-2275 

                       

13.       WRIGHT, A                703-473-2807 

                       

14.       WRIGHT, A                770-905-5917 

                       

15.       WRIGHT, A                803-271-8646 

                       

16.       WRIGHT, A                804-495-9403 

                       

17.       WRIGHT, A                816-663-2234 

                       

18.       WRIGHT, A                863-325-5948 

                       

19.       WRIGHT, A                910-381-3644 

                       

20.       WRIGHT, A    ATLANTA, GA 30303           404-663-3331 

                       

21.       WRIGHT, A    AVONDALE ESTATES, GA 30002              404-538-6405 

                       

22.       WRIGHT, A    BIRMINGHAM, AL 35222    205-705-7687 

                       

23.       WRIGHT, A    CAMERON, MO 64429         816-724-2061 

                       

24.       WRIGHT, A    EAGAN, MN 55121  952-681-1905 

                       

25.       WRIGHT, A    HOUSTON, TX 77002           281-716-7569 

                       

26.       WRIGHT, A    KNOXVILLE, TN 37921       865-936-2718 

                       

27.       WRIGHT, A    NORCROSS, GA 30071         770-329-9565 

                       

28.       WRIGHT, A    PENSACOLA, FL 32501       850-512-6046 

                       

29.       WRIGHT, A    PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL 34952        772-924-6498 

                       

30.       WRIGHT, A    PROVIDENCE, RI 02906       401-345-7223 

                       

31.       WRIGHT, A    SCHAUMBURG, IL 60173    630-744-9326 

                       

32.       WRIGHT, AARON     11303 31ST NE

LAKE STEVENS, WA 98258-8110  801-404-3088 

                       

33.       WRIGHT, AARON I  18402 HALSTED APT 24

NORTHRIDGE, CA 91325-4906       323-708-0572 

                       

34.       WRIGHT, AARON     11 LAS PALOMAS

ORINDA, CA 94563-1915     510-501-9711 

                       

35.       WRIGHT, AARON     209 RICKENBACKER

BARKSDALE AFB, LA 71110-2249            941-704-9506 

                       

36.       WRIGHT, AARON     3147 E RIVER BOTTOM

SPANISH FORK, UT 84660-9473     801-577-9173 

                       

37.       WRIGHT, AARON     1002 SCARLET

HENDERSONVLLE, TN 37075-7209           615-826-6425 

                       

38.       WRIGHT, AARON     43 SPRUCE KNOLL

ELMORE, AL 36025-1144    850-221-0037 

                       

39.       WRIGHT, AARON                 313-662-4301 

                       

40.       WRIGHT, AARON                 317-238-9444 

                       

41.       WRIGHT, AARON                 517-914-4382 

                       

42.       WRIGHT, AARON                 609-964-8362 

                       

43.       WRIGHT, AARON                 919-480-3121 

                       

44.       WRIGHT, AASON     803 N HICKORY

SALEM, MO 65560-1129      573-247-8626 

                       

45.       WRIGHT, ABBEY L              130 N BERGER APT 5

FOND DU LAC, WI 54935-3061       262-689-9304 

                       

46.       WRIGHT, ABBIE                   973-202-8607 

                       

47.       WRIGHT, ABIGAIL  264 ELIZABETH APT 7

NEW YORK, NY 10012-5514           212-343-3384 

                       

48.       WRIGHT, ABIGAIL               704-804-9883 

                       

49.       WRIGHT, ABIGAIL               864-554-8054 

                       

50.       WRIGHT, ADA          728 BIDDLE UNIT 313

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63101-3105       618-553-5288 

                       

 

Search:            Public Records: Surname

Terms: last-name(Wright) maxresults(500)

Date/Time:     Wednesday, August 28, 2019 3:11 PM

 

United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

 

USPTO OFFICIAL NOTICE

 

Office Action (Official Letter) has issued

on August 30, 2019 for

U.S. Trademark Application Serial No. 88460489

 

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. 

 

 

/Leigh Caroline Case/

Examining Attorney

Law Office 118

(571) 272-9140

leigh.case@uspto.gov (preferred)

 

 

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 August 30, 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.”