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:  December 04, 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(e)(1) REFUSAL - MERELY DESCRIPTIVE
• IDENTIFICATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES
• MULTIPLE-CLASS APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
• FOREIGN REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE REQUIRED

 

SEARCH RESULTS

 

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

 

SECTION 2(e)(1) REFUSAL - MERELY DESCRIPTIVE

 

Registration is refused because the applied-for mark merely describes a feature of applicant’s goods and services.  Trademark Act Section 2(e)(1), 15 U.S.C. §1052(e)(1); see TMEP §§1209.01(b), 1209.03 et seq.

 

Applicant’s applied-for mark is “INTERNATIONAL” for:

 

“Information technology products, namely, Displays and Screens; software for end users to design fonts and software for development of fonts; parts and accessories for all aforementioned goods, namely, Software Extensions and Plugins” in Class 9;

 

“Paper, Printing Fonts and Typeface Font Software fonts, Typographic pencils, brushes and stencils to draw type, paper and cardboard; paper models for art, namely, architectural models; paper and paper supplies for use in painting, drawing and paper sculpture, namely, Calligraphy and type writing tools and instruction manuals to write and draw type; paper and writing materials for teachers and instructors, namely, Calligraphy and type writing tools and instruction manuals to write and draw type” in Class 16;

 

“Manufacturing of typesetting supplies for print shops; development of film in the field of photography and cinematography; duplication of audio and video recordings; distribution, renting and leasing of Printing Fonts and Typeface Font Software to the end user / Digital files of printing fonts and typeface font software in the field of printing, cinematography and photography; consultation services in the field of printing, cinematography and photography” in Class 40;

 

“Educational services, namely, holding seminars and workshops in the field of printing and graphic design; consultation services, namely, holding seminars and workshops in the field of printing and graphic design” in Class 41 and

 

“Design and development of printing fonts for use in printing and on computer interfaces; IT-services, namely, software programming and implementation of software for authentication and quality control in print shops; development of computer hardware and software for authentication and quality control in print shops; graphic design services Streaming and on-Demand delivery of Printing Fonts and Typeface Font Software to the end user; Font Software Renting Services; Product development of typesetting supplies for print shops” in Class 42.

 

A mark is merely descriptive if it describes an ingredient, quality, characteristic, function, feature, purpose, or use of an applicant’s goods and/or services.  TMEP §1209.01(b); see, e.g., In re TriVita, Inc., 783 F.3d 872, 874, 114 USPQ2d 1574, 1575 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (quoting In re Oppedahl & Larson LLP, 373 F.3d 1171, 1173, 71 USPQ2d 1370, 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2004)); In re Steelbuilding.com, 415 F.3d 1293, 1297, 75 USPQ2d 1420, 1421 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (citing Estate of P.D. Beckwith, Inc. v. Comm’r of Patents, 252 U.S. 538, 543 (1920)). 

 

The determination of whether a mark is merely descriptive is made in relation to an applicant’s goods and/or services, not in the abstract.  DuoProSS Meditech Corp. v. Inviro Med. Devices, Ltd., 695 F.3d 1247, 1254, 103 USPQ2d 1753, 1757 (Fed. Cir. 2012); In re The Chamber of Commerce of the U.S., 675 F.3d 1297, 1300, 102 USPQ2d 1217, 1219 (Fed. Cir. 2012); TMEP §1209.01(b); see, e.g., In re Polo Int’l Inc., 51 USPQ2d 1061, 1062-63 (TTAB 1999) (finding DOC in DOC-CONTROL would refer to the “documents” managed by applicant’s software rather than the term “doctor” shown in a dictionary definition); In re Digital Research Inc., 4 USPQ2d 1242, 1243-44 (TTAB 1987) (finding CONCURRENT PC-DOS and CONCURRENT DOS merely descriptive of “computer programs recorded on disk” where the relevant trade used the denomination “concurrent” as a descriptor of a particular type of operating system). 

 

“Whether consumers could guess what the product [or service] is from consideration of the mark alone is not the test.”  In re Am. Greetings Corp., 226 USPQ 365, 366 (TTAB 1985).

 

The term “international” has been held merely descriptive of goods or services that are international in scope.  TMEP §1209.03(o); see In re Inst. Investor, Inc., 229 USPQ 614 (TTAB 1986) (holding INTERNATIONAL BANKING INSTITUTE for organizing seminars for bank leaders of major countries incapable); In re Billfish Int’l Corp., 229 USPQ 152 (TTAB 1986) (holding BILLFISH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION merely descriptive of corporation involved with billfish on an international scale); BankAmerica Corp. v. Int’l Travelers Cheque Co., 205 USPQ 1233 (TTAB 1979) (holding INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS CHEQUE merely descriptive of financial consulting services that are international in scope).

 

Thus, in this case, the term “INTERNATIONAL” merely describes the geographic scope of applicant’s various printing goods and services.

 

Therefore, registration is refused pursuant to Trademark Act Section 2(e)(1).

 

Although applicant’s mark has been refused registration, applicant may respond to the refusal by submitting evidence and arguments in support of registration.  However, if applicant responds to the refusal, applicant must also respond to the requirement set forth below.

 

IDENTIFICATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES

 

Portions of the wording in the identification of goods and services are indefinite and/or misclassified and must be clarified as indicated in the suggestion below.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01. 

 

The wording “distribution, renting and leasing of Printing Fonts and Typeface Font Software to the end user / Digital files of printing fonts and typeface font software in the field of printing, cinematography and photography” is indefinite and potentially misclassified because the particular nature of the services are unclear. Renting of software would be classified in Class 42. Transimission of digital content would be classified in Class 38. Downloadable software would be classified in Class 9. Thus, applicant must clarify the nature and purpose of the goods and/or services to determine appropriate classification.

 

Applicant may substitute the following wording, if accurate: 

 

Class 9: Information technology products, namely, {clarify nature of displays, e.g. liquid crystal} displays and {clarify nature of screens, e.g. computer} screens; downloadable software for end users to design fonts and downloadable software for development of fonts; parts and accessories for all aforementioned goods, namely, downloadable software extensions and plugins; typeface font and software fonts, namely, typeface fonts recorded on magnetic media

 

Class 16: Paper, Printing Fonts and Typeface Font Software fonts, Typographic pencils, brushes and stencils to draw type, paper and cardboard; paper models for art, namely, architectural models; paper and paper supplies for use in painting, drawing and paper sculpture, namely, Calligraphy and type writing tools in the nature of {specify, e.g. ink and writing brushes} and instruction manuals to write and draw type; paper and writing materials for teachers and instructors, namely, Calligraphy and type writing tools in the nature of {specify, e.g. ink and writing brushes} and instruction manuals to write and draw type

 

Class 38: Electronic transmission of digital media content for others via global and local computer networks, namely, streaming and on-demand delivery of printing fonts and typeface font software to the end user

 

Class 40: Manufacturing of typesetting supplies for print shops; development of film in the field of photography and cinematography; duplication of audio and video recordings; distribution, renting and leasing of Printing Fonts and Typeface Font Software to the end user / Digital files of printing fonts and typeface font software in the field of printing, cinematography and photography; consultation services in the field of printing, cinematography and photography

 

Class 41: Educational services, namely, holding seminars and workshops in the field of printing and graphic design; consultation services, namely, holding seminars and workshops in the field of printing and graphic design; consultation in the field of cinematography and photography

 

Class 42: Graphic design, namely, design and development of printing fonts for use in printing and on computer interfaces; IT-services, namely, software programming and implementation of software for authentication and quality control in print shops; development of computer hardware and software for authentication and quality control in print shops; graphic design services Streaming and on-Demand delivery of Printing Fonts and Typeface Font Software to the end user; Font Software Renting Services; Product development of typesetting supplies for print shops; renting and leasing of Typeface Font Software to the end user; provision of online, non-downloadable typeface font software in the field of printing, cinematography and photography

 

Applicant’s goods and/or services 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.  Applicant may clarify or limit the identification by inserting qualifying language or deleting items to result in a more specific identification; however, 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 and/or services that are classified in at least 6 classes; however, applicant submitted a fee sufficient for only 5 classes.  In a multiple-class application, a fee for each class is required.  37 C.F.R. §2.86(a)(2), (b)(2); TMEP §§810.01, 1403.01.

 

Therefore, applicant must either (1) restrict the application to the number of classes covered by the fees already paid, or (2) submit the fees for each additional class.

 

 

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 44:

 

(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 6 classes; however, applicant submitted a fee(s) sufficient for only 5 classes.  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 44 multiple-class application and how to satisfy the requirements online using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) form.

 

FOREIGN REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE REQUIRED

 

The application specifies Trademark Act Section 44(d) as the sole filing basis and indicates that applicant intends to rely on Section 44(e) as a basis for registration; however no copy of a foreign registration was provided.  See 15 U.S.C. §1126(d), (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, the 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, the 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 is not yet available, applicant should inform the trademark examining attorney that the foreign application is still pending and request that the U.S. application be suspended until a copy of the foreign registration is available.  TMEP §§716.02(b), 1003.04(a).

 

If applicant cannot satisfy the requirements of the Section 44(e) basis, applicant may amend the basis to Section 1(a) or 1(b), if applicant can satisfy the requirements for the new basis.  See 15 U.S.C. §§1051(a)-(b), 1126(e); TMEP §806.03.  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), 806.03(h).  

 

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.

 

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.    

 

 

/Karen Sulita Dindayal/

Examining Attorney

Law Office 117

571-272-8208

karen.dindayal@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 December 04, 2019 for

U.S. Trademark Application Serial No. 88598353

 

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. 

 

 

/Karen Sulita Dindayal/

Examining Attorney

Law Office 117

571-272-8208

karen.dindayal@uspto.gov

 

 

 

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 December 04, 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.”