Offc Action Outgoing

United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

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

 

 

 

NONFINAL OFFICE ACTION

 

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

 

 

Issue date:  July 29, 2021

 

 

 

The referenced application has been reviewed by the assigned trademark examining attorney.  Applicant must respond timely and completely to the issue(s) below.  15 U.S.C. §1062(b); 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(a), 2.65(a); TMEP §§711, 718.03.

 

SEARCH OF USPTO DATABASE OF MARKS

 

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

 

SUMMARY OF ISSUES:

• Signature Requirement
• Identification of Goods and Services Requirement
• Multiple-Class Application Requirements – Advisory
• Foreign Registration Requirement

 

SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT

 

The application was unsigned, resulting in the application not being properly verified.  See TMEP §804.  Applicant must properly sign and therefore verify the application in an affidavit or signed declaration under 37 C.F.R. §2.20.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.2(n), 2.33(a)-(c), 2.34(a)(1)(i), (a)(2), (a)(3)(i), (a)(4)(ii); TMEP §804.02. 

 

The following statements must be verified:  That applicant has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce and had a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce as of the application filing date; that applicant believes applicant is entitled to use the mark in commerce on or in connection with the goods or services specified in the application; that applicant believes applicant is the owner of the mark; that the mark is in use in commerce and was in use in commerce as of the application filing date; that to the best of the signatory’s knowledge and belief, no other persons, except, if applicable, concurrent users, have the right to use the mark in commerce, either in the identical form or in such near resemblance as to be likely, when used on or in connection with the goods/services of such other persons, to cause confusion or mistake, or to deceive; that the specimen shows the mark as used on or in connection with the goods or services as of the application filing date; and that the facts set forth in the application are true.  37 C.F.R. §§2.33(b), (c), 2.34(a)(1)(i), (a)(2), (a)(3)(i), (a)(4)(ii), 2.59(a). 

 

For more information about the verified statement and instructions on providing one using the online Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) response form, see the Verified statement webpage.

 

IDENTIFICATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES REQUIREMENT

 

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

 

Below is a breakdown of the specific issues per class.

 

Class 7

 

Applicant must clarify the wording “Tooling for the production of vehicle parts, components, and assemblies” in the identification of goods in International Class 7 because it is indefinite and too broad.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03.  This wording is indefinite because it does not make clear what the goods are.  Further, this wording could identify goods in more than one international class.  For example, power-operated tools and machine tools are in International Class 7 and hand operated tools are in International Class 8. 

Class 9

 

Applicant must clarify the wording “actuators” and “infotainment systems for vehicles” in the identification of goods in International Class 9 because it is indefinite and too broad.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03.  This wording is indefinite because it does not make clear what the goods are.  Further, this wording could identify goods in more than one international class.  For example, “hydraulic valve actuators” are in International Class 7 and “electric actuators” are in International Class 9. 

 

Additionally, the wording “advanced driver assistance systems for vehicles, namely, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and controls, blind spot detection warning and controls, and accident and collision mitigating warning and controls” in the identification of goods is indefinite and must be clarified because the nature of the goods are unclear.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01.  Applicant must further specify the nature of the goods.

 

The identification for computer software in International Class 9 is indefinite and too broad and must be clarified to specify whether the format is downloadable, recorded, or online non-downloadable.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.03(d), 1402.11(a).  Downloadable and recorded goods are in International Class 9, whereas providing their temporary, online non-downloadable use is a service in International Class 42.  See TMEP §1402.03(d).

 

Class 12

 

The wording “bolsters”, “window systems”, “hood rods”, “door rods”, “strikers”, “single rail cable and drum systems”, “dual rail cable and drum systems” in the identification of goods is indefinite and must be clarified because the nature of the goods are unclear.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01.  Applicant must further specify the nature of the goods.

Applicant must clarify the wording “engine cradles” in the identification of goods in International Class 12 because it is indefinite and too broad.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03.  This wording is indefinite because it does not make clear what the goods are.  Further, this wording could identify goods in more than one international class.  For example, non-wheeled engine cradles such as “metal engine cradle stands” are in International Class 6, and “wheeled engine cradles” are in International Class 12. 

 

Class 35

 

Applicant has classified “vehicle routing by computer on data networks” in International Class 35; however, the proper classification is International Class 39.  Therefore, applicant may respond by (1) reclassifying these services in the proper international class, (2) deleting  “vehicle routing by computer on data networks” from the application, or (3) deleting the remainder of the items in the identification and reclassifying the specified services in the proper international class.  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 requirements specified in this Office action.

 

Class 42

 

The wording “research and development” in the identification of services is indefinite and must be clarified because the nature of the services are unclear.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01.  Applicant must further specify the nature of the services by specifying what is being researched and developed.

 

Applicant may substitute the following wording, if accurate. Suggested additions and changes are in bold underline, and items the applicant must clarify are in italics: 

 

Class 6:           Vehicle parts, components, and assemblies, namely, metal engine cradle stands

 

Class 7:           Tooling for the production of vehicle parts, components, and assemblies, namely, {specify the nature of the tooling in Class 7, e.g., “machines and lines composed thereof for the production of automobile parts, parts for the aforementioned machines, particularly foaming lines, die-cutting machines, molding presses, scoring machines, laminating machines, water jet cutting machines, milling machines, long fiber injection machines, parts for the aforementioned machines, particularly foaming tools, die-casting tools, die-cutting tools, molding tools, laminating tools”, “metal working machine tools”, “tool bits for machines”, etc.}; {specify the nature of the actuators in Class 7, e.g., “hydraulic valve actuators”, “linear actuators”, etc.} actuators

 

Class 8:           Tooling for the production of vehicle parts, components, and assemblies, namely, {specify the nature of the tooling in Class 8, e.g., “beveled hand tool in the nature of a squeegee for spreading and leveling paint and wax products on cars, motorcycles, planes and boat panels”, “hand tools, namely, automobile sheet metal dent repair tool”, etc.}

 

Class 9:           Radar apparatus; radar object detectors for use on vehicles; lidar apparatus; laser object detectors for use on vehicles; lasers for measuring; electronic proximity sensors and switches; {specify the nature of the actuators in Class 9, e.g., “electric actuators”} actuators; electronic controllers for vehicle driving assistance; control units for automated and semi-automated driving of vehicles; advanced driver assistance systems for vehicles, namely, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning sensors and controls, blind spot detection warning sensors and controls, and accident and collision mitigating warning sensors and controls; {specify whether downloadable or recorded} computer software and computer hardware for use in connection with advanced driver assistance systems; {specify whether downloadable or recorded} computer software and computer hardware for the control, operation, steering, and monitoring of vehicles; {specify whether downloadable or recorded} computer software and computer hardware for enabling object detection, object classification, and high definition mapping; {specify whether downloadable or recorded} computer software and computer hardware for performing data acquisition and data analytics; {specify whether downloadable or recorded} computer software and computer hardware for collecting and analyzing data generated by vehicle sensors and external sources; {specify whether downloadable or recorded} computer software and computer hardware for transmission of data within a vehicle and for communications between and among vehicles and a cloud-based platform; {specify whether downloadable or recorded} computer software and computer hardware for controlling vehicle communications networks; {specify whether downloadable or recorded} computer software and computer hardware for enabling interaction and interface between vehicles and mobile devices; {specify whether downloadable or recorded} computer software for coordinating transportation, freight, and delivery services by automated vehicles; {specify whether downloadable or recorded} computer software for vehicle fleet management; {specify whether downloadable or recorded} computer software for vehicle navigation; navigation apparatus for vehicles; global positioning system (GPS) apparatus; infotainment systems for vehicles comprising a computer, a multiple image display screen, and a radio

 

Class 11:         (no amendment required)

 

Class 12:         Vehicle parts, components, and assemblies, namely, front and rear end fascias, belt moldings, windshield moldings, decklid and pillar appliques, door surround and roof drip moldings, window surround modules, door seals, inner and outer belt seals, glass run channels, quarter windows, body side moldings, roof ditch moldings, wheel opening moldings, rocker panels, claddings, spoilers, grilles, roof racks, roof rails, running boards, body panels, fenders, door panels, quarter panels, manual and power truck sliding windows, transmissions, transaxles, transfer cases, differentials, torque transfer couplings, power take-off units, clutches, flexplates, drive shafts, gears, seats, front and rear seat structural parts, seat recliner assemblies, seat adjuster assemblies, head restraints, bolsters being seat support pads, armrests, door modules, window systems comprising {specify the composition of the system, e.g., “glass windows”, “handle cranks”, “gears for moving windows”, “window motors”, etc.}, exterior and interior door handles, power sliding doors, power liftgates, power decklids, pedals, door latches, hood latches, decklid latches, tailgate latches, liftgate latches, door hinges, decklid hinges, hood hinges, hood prop rods, door latch rods, torsion rods, latch strikers, structural door modules, hardware trim modules, integrated trim modules, liftgate and tailgate modules, complete mid door modules, single rail cable and drum systems comprising {specify the composition of the system e,g., “metal cables”, “metal gears”, “window motors”, etc.”}, dual rail cable and drum systems comprising {specify the composition of the system e,g., “metal cables”, “metal gears”, “window motors”, etc.”}, softtops, hardtops, retractable hardtops, modular tops, exterior mirrors, interior mirrors, overhead consoles, doors, hoods, decklids, liftgates, tailgates, roof panels, pillars, body side panels, side panels, floor pans, bumpers, bumper beams, door intrusion beams, shock towers, upper body pillars, wheeled engine cradles, radiator supports, frames, sub-frames, frame rails, complete chassis modules, suspension links, control arms, and twist axles

 

Class 35:         Business management relating to vehicles; tracking, locating, and monitoring of vehicles for commercial purposes; vehicle routing by computer on data networks; compilation of information into computer databases

 

Class 39:         Transportation of passengers; passenger transportation services, namely, travel by automated vehicles; passenger transportation services, namely, coordinating the pickup and drop-off of passengers at designated or directed locations by land; transportation of passengers by vehicle through a network of transportation providers; shipping and delivery services, namely, pickup, transportation, and delivery of goods by various modes of transportation; transportation services, namely, providing temporary use of vehicles; ride sharing services; car sharing services; leasing of vehicles; rental of vehicles; vehicle routing by computer on data networks

 

Class 40:         (no amendment required)

 

Class 42:         Design and engineering of vehicle parts, components, and assemblies; design and engineering of tooling for the production of vehicle parts, components, and assemblies; design and development of computer software and computer hardware; computer programming; maintenance and updating of computer software; monitoring of computer systems by remote access to ensure proper functioning; design, development, and engineering of advanced driver assistance systems, semi-automated driving systems, and automated driving systems; research and development in the field of {specify what is being researched and developed , e.g., “new products”, “computer software”, etc.}; technical research in the fields of advanced driver assistance systems, semi-automated driving systems, and automated driving systems; vehicle roadworthiness testing; providing online, non-downloadable computer software for use in connection with advanced driver assistance systems; providing online, non-downloadable computer software for the control, operation, steering, and monitoring of vehicles; providing online, non-downloadable computer software for enabling object detection, object classification, and high definition mapping; providing online, non-downloadable computer software for performing data acquisition and data analytics; providing online, non-downloadable computer software for collecting and analyzing data generated by vehicle sensors and external sources; providing online, non-downloadable computer software for transmission of data within a vehicle and for communications between and among vehicles and a cloud-based platform; providing online, non-downloadable computer software for controlling vehicle communications networks; providing online, non-downloadable computer software for enabling interaction and interface between vehicles and mobile devices; providing online, non-downloadable computer software for coordinating transportation, freight, and delivery services by automated vehicles; providing online, non-downloadable computer software for vehicle fleet management; providing online, non-downloadable computer software for vehicle navigation

 

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 - ADVISORY

 

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 Sections 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 ten classes; however, applicant submitted a fee(s) sufficient for only eight 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 37 C.F.R. §2.86(a); TMEP §§1403.01, 1403.02(c).

 

For an overview of the requirements for a Sections 1(b) and 44 multiple-class application and how to satisfy the requirements online using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) form, see the Multiple-class Application webpage.

 

The fee for adding classes to a TEAS Standard application is $350 per class.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.6(a)(1)(iii).  For more information about adding classes to an application, see the Multiple-class Application webpage.

 

FOREIGN REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

Please call or email the assigned trademark examining attorney with questions about this Office action.  Although an examining attorney cannot provide legal advice, the examining attorney can provide additional explanation about the refusal(s) and/or requirement(s) in this Office action.  See TMEP §§705.02, 709.06. 

 

The USPTO does not accept emails as responses to Office actions; however, emails can be used for informal communications and are included in the application record.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(c), 2.191; TMEP §§304.01-.02, 709.04-.05.

 

 

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

 

 

/Derek van den Abeelen/

Trademark Examining Attorney

Law Office 126

(571) 270-3997

derek.vandenabeelen@uspto.gov

 

 

RESPONSE GUIDANCE

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

 

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

 

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

 

United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

 

USPTO OFFICIAL NOTICE

 

Office Action (Official Letter) has issued

on July 29, 2021 for

U.S. Trademark Application Serial No. 90541887

 

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. 

 

 

/Derek van den Abeelen/

Trademark Examining Attorney

Law Office 126

(571) 270-3997

derek.vandenabeelen@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 July 29, 2021, 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.”