tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75427713563176088532024-03-15T21:10:14.356-04:00Tantalizing Trademarks™Exploring Recent Trademark Filings at the USPTO.Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.comBlogger406125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-83250978760004458512022-08-16T15:11:00.001-04:002022-08-16T15:11:32.986-04:00Alcoholic Sunny Delight? Recent Trademark Filings Indicate It May Be Coming<p>Is Sunny Delight getting into the alcoholic beverage industry? Recent trademark filings suggest so. On August 11th, Sunny Delight Beverages Co. filed federal trademark applications for:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=97544201&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">SUNNYD SCREWY</a></li><li><a href="https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=97544204&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">SUNNYD SCREWIE</a></li></ul><div>Both applications cover the same goods, namely:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Alcoholic beverages, except beer</b>; <b>hard seltzer</b> (in Class 33); and</li><li>Fruit juice drinks containing water; fruit punch; non-alcoholic beverages, namely, carbonated beverages and fruit juice drink-based beverages with vitamins; energy drinks; <b>beer</b> (in Class 32).</li></ul><div>Sunny Delight filed these applications on an intent-to-use basis, suggesting it is not currently selling these products but has a bona fide intention to do so in the near future. <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-800d1e693.html" target="_blank">TMEP 806.01(b)</a>. While the filings in no way require Sunny Delight to sell a SunnyD Screwy or Screwie in the future, they do suggest that plans for an alcoholic beverage are in the works. Sunny Delight will need to start actually selling the products before these trademarks can register, as trademarks cannot be registered until they are in use (with limited exceptions).</div></div><div><br /></div><div>This isn't the first federal trademark application covering alcoholic beverages filed by Sunny Delight. Back in June 2021, it filed another application for <a href="https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=90792966&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">SUNNYD</a> covering "alcoholic beverages, except beer; hard seltzer." That application was approved by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, but Sunny Delight still needs to prove it is actually using that mark in conjunction with alcoholic beverages before the mark can be registered.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who dreamed of a Sunny Delight screwdriver, your dream may be coming true soon.</div><p></p>Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-46658959592434922922022-07-19T11:20:00.003-04:002022-07-19T11:20:20.298-04:00Are Mr. Peanut, Skippy, and SPAM Moving into the Virtual World? Recent Trademark Applications by Hormel Foods Suggest So<p>As the metaverse becomes more and more popular, many brands are filing trademark applications for <i>virtual </i>versions of their goods and services. Hormel Foods LLC is no exception. On July 14th, the food company filed a federal trademark application for the <a href="https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=97502601&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">Mr. Peanut logo</a> seen below.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGefd3wbdHbUBcE4hMxVV5dmNLZ1OcRjY04yo2XjGGvZfza3djgx_FI88-rRskEGyX7MWFolL2TNomkSq__A42fi0CzNYYZPqrVgR-EMxftDEfXSojzr8xOMVPp98QqLqaLMCrolP1W_IMdFTRlKkqIjCe1nemru_-3Icot6ulAB0i-4OBAX5b8Le8OA/s260/Mr%20Peanut.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="114" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGefd3wbdHbUBcE4hMxVV5dmNLZ1OcRjY04yo2XjGGvZfza3djgx_FI88-rRskEGyX7MWFolL2TNomkSq__A42fi0CzNYYZPqrVgR-EMxftDEfXSojzr8xOMVPp98QqLqaLMCrolP1W_IMdFTRlKkqIjCe1nemru_-3Icot6ulAB0i-4OBAX5b8Le8OA/s1600/Mr%20Peanut.png" width="114" /></a></div>But that application doesn't cover peanuts. Instead, it covers the goods and services listed below:<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Downloadable multimedia files containing artwork, text, audio, and video relating to food and beverages, authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs); downloadable virtual goods, namely food and beverage products for use in virtual worlds</li><li>Online retail grocery store services featuring virtual food and beverage products for use in online virtual worlds; provision of an online marketplace for buyers and sellers of downloadable digital art images, video and audio clips, authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs)</li><li>Entertainment services, namely, online, non-downloadable virtual food and beverage products for use in virtual worlds</li></ul>Hormel filed the application on an intent-to-use basis, suggesting it is not currently offering these goods and services in conjunction with the Mr. Peanut logo, but has a bona fide intention to do so in the near future. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-800d1e693.html" target="_blank">TMEP 806.01(b)</a>. Hormel will be required to prove it is actually using the Mr. Peanut logo in conjunction with these goods and services in order to obtain the trademark registration.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is not the first trademark application filed by Hormel Foods covering virtual goods. Earlier this month, the company filed applications for <a href="https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=97490975&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">PLANTERS</a>, <a href="https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=97490526&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">MR. PEANUT</a>, <a href="https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=97490521&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">SKIPPY</a>, and <a href="https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=97490517&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">SPAM</a> covering the same goods and services.</div><div><br /></div><div>Trademark applications for virtuals goods are becoming more and more popular as companies seek to exploit business opportunities in the virtual world and expand their trademark protection into the same. Might you be buying virtual Skippy peanut butter and SPAM in an online grocery store soon? It appears so.</div>Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-86284860917349872922020-11-02T13:42:00.004-05:002020-11-02T14:27:40.953-05:00Distillery in New York Files Application to Register MARIJUISKEY as a Trademark for Whiskey. Any Issues? <p>On October 28, New Scotch, LLC dba <a href="https://www.newscotlandspirits.us/" target="_blank">New Scotland Spirits</a> filed a federal trademark application for <a href="https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=90285491&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">MARIJUISKEY</a> covering "distilled spirits, namely, whiskey" in Class 3.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEpxQg65UvyZVHvf_KISdkViYQiBjNIK-ozpLQSPfXKX9P380OrTd9i-AXKTya5r_5-ZKOCXE7DcUgFSHRvDH8hwnPMswingdgdvk75mauTNIHFxJj-f4XxAQkw1AGf0gH0lqPzrZJ79x/s320/marijuiskey.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEpxQg65UvyZVHvf_KISdkViYQiBjNIK-ozpLQSPfXKX9P380OrTd9i-AXKTya5r_5-ZKOCXE7DcUgFSHRvDH8hwnPMswingdgdvk75mauTNIHFxJj-f4XxAQkw1AGf0gH0lqPzrZJ79x/s0/marijuiskey.png" /></a></div>But what does this mark mean? Is it a combination of "marijuana" and "whiskey"? Like mariju-iskey? If so, the applicant is likely to run into issues during the registration process.<div><br /></div><div>A trademark must be in <i>lawful </i>use in interstate commerce for the <a href="www.uspto.gov" target="_blank">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a> ("USPTO") to register it. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e1461.html" target="_blank">TMEP 907</a>. If a trademark or the goods/services offered in conjunction with a trademark violate federal law, the USPTO will refuse registration under Sections 1 and 45 of the Trademark Act because the mark is not in lawful use. <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TFSR/current#/current/sec-78769f64-81f6-41f2-85f6-bfeb0d674399.html" target="_blank">15 USC 1051</a>, <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TFSR/current#/current/sec-0bf15ce9-7f42-4d7b-9224-c09f64b8c9bc.html" target="_blank">1127</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The federal Controlled Substances Act, among other things, prohibits the manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or possessing of marijuana and marijuana-based preparations. Therefore, the USPTO will (and frequently does) refuse the registration of trademarks for marijuana or goods containing marijuana. Further, the USPTO is a federal office governed by federal law, so the fact that marijuana may be legal in the applicant's state is irrelevant.</div><div><br /></div><div>Therefore, if MARIJUISKEY is a whiskey that contains marijuana, the applicant will get a refusal under Sections 1 and 45 of the Trademark Act, though that refusal may be premature at this point. This application was filed on an intent-to-use basis, meaning the applicant has not yet submitted a specimen showing the USPTO how it uses this mark on its goods (and a cursory review of the applicant's website does not reveal this whiskey). Therefore, other than assumptions about the name, there's currently nothing to suggest this whiskey has anything to do with marijuana.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, the mark itself may prompt the examining attorney assigned to this application to issue an inquiry into the lawfulness of the applicant's goods and request additional information, which they are permitted to do. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e1461.html" target="_blank">TMEP 907</a>. If the applicant's evidence indicates this whiskey does contain marijuana, and therefore isn't lawful at the federal level, the USPTO may refuse registration based on this "extrinsic evidence" even if the description of goods in the application itself (i.e., "distilled spirits, namely, whiskey") is lawful. <i>Id. </i>On the other hand, if it turns out MARIJUISKEY whiskey doesn't contain marijuana, there's no basis for a refusal based on unlawful use. </div><div><br /></div><div>Interested in the fate of MARIJUISKEY? Check in on the application in approximately three months after it is reviewed by an examining attorney.</div>Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-27175088833797796452020-10-06T10:01:00.001-04:002020-10-06T10:01:18.095-04:00Jordan Belfort, the Wolf of Wall Street, Files Application to Register His Name as a Trademark<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Belfort" target="_blank">Jordan Belfort</a>, the former stockbroker played by Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2013 <u>Wolf of Wall Street</u> movie, recently filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to register his name, <a href="https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=90230864&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">JORDAN BELFORT</a>, as a trademark.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uNqkzBJGOBNvjoHufpw3vISwFsxQ5ZXvS04WsXzVF8E5Wk8Y1ZfNGaRefQjgd4Z5shobtkNkeCXBUrq5Nk6OR5T5Kih2OIu9Fge2G9NeXygqTmCibRhyphenhyphen5nVOMipUJMpbTn8y_o9BBYB7/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1407" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uNqkzBJGOBNvjoHufpw3vISwFsxQ5ZXvS04WsXzVF8E5Wk8Y1ZfNGaRefQjgd4Z5shobtkNkeCXBUrq5Nk6OR5T5Kih2OIu9Fge2G9NeXygqTmCibRhyphenhyphen5nVOMipUJMpbTn8y_o9BBYB7/w400-h219/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />What types of goods and services does the Wolf of Wall Street intend to sell under his name? Apparently a variety, according to the application. The goods and services listed in the application span seven different classes and include the following:<p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Cologne and after shave gel (Class 3);</li><li>A variety of clothing, including shirts, hats, shoes, and pajamas (Class 25);</li><li>Gaming machines for gambling and board games (Class 28);</li><li>Beer, sports drinks, energy drinks, and soft drinks (Class 32);</li><li>Wine and spirits (Class 33);</li><li>Ashtrays, e-cigarettes, lighters, tobacco grinders, and tobacco water pipes (Class 34); and</li><li>Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a celebrity (Class 41).</li></ul><div>The application indicates Mr. Belfort has been providing the entertainment services in Class 41 in conjunction with his name since August 26, 2008, but is not yet providing the other goods (which were all filed under an "intent to use basis"). Before JORDAN BELFORT can be registered as a trademark for the listed goods, Mr. Belfort will need to make sales of those goods, or transport those goods, under his name in interstate commerce and submit sufficient proof of same to the USPTO. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1100d1e82.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1103</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mr. Belfort also filed an application to register <a href="https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=90200894&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">WOLFPACK</a> as a trademark for various business consulting, job training, career counseling, and educational services in late September 2020. According to my quick search, that application and the application for JORDAN BELFORT are the only two federal trademark filings currently in Mr. Belfort's name.</div><p></p>Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-56666341270462390822020-10-01T07:00:00.001-04:002020-10-06T10:31:41.154-04:00Quarterly Index (7/1/20 - 9/30/20)<p> <b><u>Other Unique Trademark Filings:</u></b></p><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2020/07/san-francisco-company-files-application.html" target="_blank">San Francisco Company Files Application to Register GAS STATIONS IN SPACE as a Trademark for...Space Gas Stations?</a> [07/1/20]</li></ul></div>Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-58132182343391598772020-07-01T12:45:00.002-04:002020-07-01T12:45:47.638-04:00San Francisco Company Files Application to Register GAS STATIONS IN SPACE as a Trademark for...Space Gas Stations?Are space gas stations the future? Maybe. According to their <a href="https://www.orbitfab.space/" target="_blank">website</a>, San Francisco-based Orbit Fab, Inc. is apparently working on establishing the first gas station in space for satellite refueling. And the company recently filed a federal trademark application in that pursuit.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWLsoEj0fpvO9uHI7nl-QjOkUb_qlye41B8QDEibAiD1tTYJiayodO_0utJSe-fOK30kB17WEPzzNj5i1YWUiec3zLtdS6prI4EgHOEz5me0QFiFuHA7VyozRehA3CzxGV2hjKbgRfHtx/s320/gas+stations+in+space.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWLsoEj0fpvO9uHI7nl-QjOkUb_qlye41B8QDEibAiD1tTYJiayodO_0utJSe-fOK30kB17WEPzzNj5i1YWUiec3zLtdS6prI4EgHOEz5me0QFiFuHA7VyozRehA3CzxGV2hjKbgRfHtx/" /></a></div><div>On June 26, Orbit Fab, Inc. filed an application to register <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=90023010&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">GAS STATION IN SPACE</a> as a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The application covers the following goods and services:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fuel for satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations; propellant for satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations (Class 4); and</li><li>Repair, maintenance, and refueling services for satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations (Class 37).</li></ul><div>In other words, space gas stations? The application was filed on an intent-to-use basis, so it may never register, but does indicate Orbit Fab, Inc. has plans to launch such gas stations (which is confirmed by the company's website).</div></div><div><br /></div><div>But is GAS STATIONS IN SPACE merely descriptive of the underlying goods and services? If so, Orbit Fab will have a difficult time getting this mark registered (on the Principal Register, at least).</div><div><br /></div><div>A trademark is generally "considered merely descriptive if it immediately conveys knowledge of a quality, feature, function, or characteristic of an applicant’s goods or services." <i>See </i><a href="a mark is considered merely descriptive if it immediately conveys knowledge of a quality, feature, function, or characteristic of an applicant’s goods or services." target="_blank">TMEP 1209.01(b)</a>.</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Does GAS STATIONS IN SPACE merely describe a quality, feature, function, or characteristic of the refueling services for satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations? What about fuel for such vehicles? We'll find out what the USPTO thinks in approximately three months after this application is assigned to an examining attorney for review.</div><div><br /></div><div>According to my quick search, this is the first ever federal trademark application filed by Orbit Fab, Inc.</div>Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-64479324617675715382020-07-01T07:00:00.001-04:002020-10-06T10:27:48.311-04:00Quarterly Index (4/1/20 - 6/30/20)<p><b><u>Food and Drink Trademark</u></b><u style="font-weight: bold;"> Filings:</u></p><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2020/06/is-pepsi-blue-making-comeback-recent.html" target="_blank">Is Pepsi Blue Making a Comeback? A Recent Trademark Application Suggests So</a> [06/30/20]</li></ul></div><div><b><u>Other Unique Trademark Filings:</u></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2020/05/bauer-hockey-files-application-to.html" target="_blank">Bauer Hockey Files Application to Register BAUER as a Trademark for Sanitary Masks, Face Shields</a> [5/12/20]</li><li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2020/05/pwc-files-application-to-register.html" target="_blank">PwC Files Application to Register AUTOMATIC CONTACT TRACING As a Trademark for Web-Based Software. Any Issues?</a> [5/11/20]</li></ul></div>Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-26617912697710590362020-06-30T12:28:00.001-04:002020-06-30T12:28:51.153-04:00Is Pepsi Blue Making a Comeback? A Recent Trademark Application Suggests SoWhile I only vaguely recall it, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepsi_Blue" target="_blank">Pepsi Blue</a> was a berry-flavored version of Pepsi that was launched in the U.S. in 2002 and discontinued shortly thereafter in 2004. Pepsico, Inc. previously owned federal trademark registrations for both the PEPSI BLUE name and former logo (seen below), but the <a href="www.uspto.gov" target="_blank">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a> canceled those registrations nearly ten years ago after Pepsi failed to renew them (likely due to non-use, as use is a requirement to renew a trademark registration). <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1vgg2HDidhQWOvEJN7IZEltmq4-zi9K26QWwvGoQfYLzB6qwKbvggwp-ZnOflcfvQF8H2QimqcRUFKjGzkoRVdwAjcY5NPNZkGqJ2RVY0DURlw0ozLOeQiyyQv2N7d_dm8HVMl97gJJr/s3299/pepsi+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3299" data-original-width="2560" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1vgg2HDidhQWOvEJN7IZEltmq4-zi9K26QWwvGoQfYLzB6qwKbvggwp-ZnOflcfvQF8H2QimqcRUFKjGzkoRVdwAjcY5NPNZkGqJ2RVY0DURlw0ozLOeQiyyQv2N7d_dm8HVMl97gJJr/w310-h400/pepsi+blue.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div>However, a recent trademark application filed at the USPTO by Pepsico, Inc. suggests that Pepsi Blue might be making a comeback. On June 25, Pepsico filed a federal trademark application to register <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=90020017&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">PEPSI BLUE</a> as a trademark for "Concentrates, syrups or powders used in the preparation of soft drinks; Soft drinks" in Class 32.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pepsico filed the application on an intent-to-use basis, suggesting it is not currently using PEPSI BLUE as a trademark for the listed goods, but has a bona fide intention to do so in the near future. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-800d1e693.html" target="_blank">TMEP 806.01(b)</a>; <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TFSR/current#/current/sec-78769f64-81f6-41f2-85f6-bfeb0d674399.html" target="_blank">15 USC 1051(b)</a>. Before PEPSI BLUE can be registered as a trademark again, Pepsico must start using the PEPSI BLUE trademark in interstate commerce in conjunction with the listed goods and submit sufficient proof of such use to the USPTO.</div><div><br /></div><div>While Pepsico is not <i>required</i> to start selling Pepsi Blue again, it does mean something is likely in the works. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is the first trademark application for PEPSI BLUE filed by Pepsico since the now dead PEPSI BLUE registrations it filed for in 2002. Fans of Pepsi Blue - pay attention to this application. </div>Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-14240682876260026502020-05-12T10:38:00.001-04:002020-05-12T10:38:04.572-04:00Bauer Hockey Files Application to Register BAUER as a Trademark for Sanitary Masks, Face ShieldsBack in March, hockey equipment manufacturer Bauer Hockey <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/28952782/bauer-switches-making-hockey-equipment-medical-gear" target="_blank">announced</a> the company would be switching from hockey equipment to protective medical equipment. A recent trademark application filed with the <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a> proves the company wasn't kidding.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDhA5ohJxoAzPBkpnUeUxZsv4nSY604YfxLtQZ0TPe6gHvWuBAnOLR4kJL-sGYvmdnHQHnV-1nGwcRgOf8wDeVVebXwh2yUaR9N7GasNvCooWqrnnMjhGT35lG7Tj4wcYErKurrcT0tP0/s1600/bauer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDhA5ohJxoAzPBkpnUeUxZsv4nSY604YfxLtQZ0TPe6gHvWuBAnOLR4kJL-sGYvmdnHQHnV-1nGwcRgOf8wDeVVebXwh2yUaR9N7GasNvCooWqrnnMjhGT35lG7Tj4wcYErKurrcT0tP0/s1600/bauer.png" /></a></div>
On May 7, the hockey company filed a federal trademark application for <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88904770&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">BAUER</a>, but it didn't cover hockey equipment. Instead, it covered the following goods:<br />
<ul>
<li>Sanitary masks to protect from infection and prevent infection of others; face shields to protect from infection and prevent infection of others; disposable microorganism barrier gowns (Class 10); and</li>
<li>Multi-usage face shields; multi-purpose face shields; face masks; goggles (Class 9).</li>
</ul>
<div>
Bauer filed the application on an intent-to-use basis, suggesting it is not currently selling these goods in conjunction with the BAUER trademark yet, but has a bona fide intention to do so in the near future (which makes sense). <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-800d1e693.html" target="_blank">TMEP 806.01(b)</a>; <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TFSR/current#/current/sec-78769f64-81f6-41f2-85f6-bfeb0d674399.html" target="_blank">15 USC 1051(b)</a>. Before this particular BAUER trademark can be registered, Bauer must actually start using the BAUER trademark in interstate commerce in conjunction with the goods listed in the application and submit sufficient prove of such use to the USPTO. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1100d1e82.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1103</a>.<br />
<br />
Kudos to Bauer for doing its part.</div>
Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-52606633278105502622020-05-11T09:41:00.002-04:002020-05-11T09:43:05.830-04:00PwC Files Application to Register AUTOMATIC CONTACT TRACING As a Trademark for Web-Based Software. Any Issues?Coronavirus-related trademark applications are flooding the <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a> recently, to no one's surprise. And a recent application from PricewaterhouseCoopers is no different.<br />
<br />
On May 6, the global professional services firm filed an application to register <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88903661&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">AUTOMATIC CONTACT TRACING</a> as a trademark with the USPTO. The application covers the following services in Class 42:<br />
<ul>
<li>Providing web-based software application that would assist organizations in making critical workforce strategies through the analysis of data based on employee location and interaction</li>
</ul>
<div>
According to the application, PwC has been using AUTOMATIC CONTACT TRACING as a trademark (or, more accurately, a service mark) since March 30, 2020. Submitted with the application to prove use is the specimen seen below.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL9Mt_46GhPGkIi7_FXXcIOWdXJkb-HnyNVIs6mDSXvVAJtbFsjuOfwsjwskThjQWUt4MlVZ9x_zffoqlZBr7Y8xBydsI0hNQYiDGPWtynJKSbg1t-XqPjYwA78o_U0b3bJ4TaBsvgWP2/s1600/PWC+ACT+Trademark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL9Mt_46GhPGkIi7_FXXcIOWdXJkb-HnyNVIs6mDSXvVAJtbFsjuOfwsjwskThjQWUt4MlVZ9x_zffoqlZBr7Y8xBydsI0hNQYiDGPWtynJKSbg1t-XqPjYwA78o_U0b3bJ4TaBsvgWP2/s640/PWC+ACT+Trademark.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
See any potential issues? Is this mark merely descriptive of the underlying services?<br />
<br />
Merely descriptive trademarks immediately describe "an ingredient, quality, characteristic, function, feature, purpose, or use of the specified goods or services." <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1200d1e7074.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1209.01(b)</a>. Merely descriptive trademarks cannot be registered on the Principal Register (which affords all the benefits of a federal trademark registration) without a showing of acquired distinctiveness. </div>
<div>
<br />
Does AUTOMATIC CONTACT TRACING merely describe the underlying services listed in the application and show in the specimen above? If so, the USPTO will issue a refusal to register this mark. PwC can submit arguments against that refusal, amend the application to the Supplemental Register (assuming the mark is being used as a service mark and actually in use), or choose to abandon the application.<br />
<br />
We'll find out what an examining attorney at the USPTO thinks when this application is examined in approximately three months. Stay tuned.</div>
Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-16817715427101137012020-04-01T07:00:00.002-04:002020-10-06T10:18:11.911-04:00Quarterly Index (1/1/20 - 3/31/20)<p><b><u>Sports Trademark Filings:</u></b></p><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2020/01/baltimore-ravens-qb-lamar-jackson-files.html" target="_blank">Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Files Trademark Applications for NOT BAD FOR A RUNNING BACK, Two Other Marks</a> [01/21/20]</li></ul></div><div><b><u>Other Unique Trademark Filings:</u></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2020/03/california-individual-files.html" target="_blank">California Individual Files Applications to Register WE CURED COVID-19 and Two Other COVID-19 Slogans as Trademarks</a> [10/21/19]</li></ul></div>Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-81647914404229137372020-03-13T10:08:00.000-04:002020-03-13T10:08:15.584-04:00California Individual Files Applications to Register WE CURED COVID-19 and Two Other COVID-19 Slogans as TrademarksWith the COVID-19 pandemic starting to overwhelm our daily lives, it's not surprising to see individuals and companies filing federal trademark applications for the term.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vK4kS1sKDu8MEB_b4hHfigFMG3tXdujBgJ_ocQ_5TGulzm0EfB8QaHhgN10Zn9zRg32bpS2PAy6jdCFfyPbwlAwc4D_ACpvR_Qsmq4bb03MerknMWX3K2_ztGGt9dtaWTiS20do0tdo7/s1600/wecuredcovid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="336" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vK4kS1sKDu8MEB_b4hHfigFMG3tXdujBgJ_ocQ_5TGulzm0EfB8QaHhgN10Zn9zRg32bpS2PAy6jdCFfyPbwlAwc4D_ACpvR_Qsmq4bb03MerknMWX3K2_ztGGt9dtaWTiS20do0tdo7/s320/wecuredcovid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Most recently, on March 9, an individual in California filed applications to register the three slogans below as federal trademarks:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88827108&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">WE CURED COVID-19</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88827109&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">TOGETHER WE SURVIVED COVID-19</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88827103&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">I SURVIVED COVID-19</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
All three applications cover the same goods and services, namely:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Clothing (Class 25);</li>
<li>Providing information in the field of medicine; promotional services, namely, promoting the charities of others (Class 35); and</li>
<li>Charitable fundraising (Class 36)</li>
</ul>
<div>
However, simply because this individual filed applications doesn't mean he'll obtain registrations. The individual filed these applications on an intent-to-use basis, meaning he'll need to start using these slogans as trademarks with the listed goods and services and submit sufficient proof of same to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office before he can be issued registrations. <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-800d1e693.html" target="_blank">TMEP 806.01(b)</a>; <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TFSR/current#/current/sec-78769f64-81f6-41f2-85f6-bfeb0d674399.html" target="_blank">15 USC 1051(b)</a>. No trademark use = no registration.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The applications could also face barriers in the examination phase. For example, the USPTO will likely ask the applicant to specify the type of clothing in Class 25. Further, depending on the applicant's use of these slogans, the USPTO may find them to merely convey a message rather than function as an identifier of the source of the goods/services. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1200d1e1859.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1202.03(f)(i)</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In any event, one can expect to see a slew of CORONAVIRUS and COVID-19 trademark applications filed in the near future. And, as always happens when a popular phrase comes about, you can expect the vast majority of those applications die before registration.</div>
Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-5138641343138453162020-01-21T10:22:00.000-05:002020-01-21T10:22:38.949-05:00Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Files Trademark Applications for NOT BAD FOR A RUNNING BACK, Two Other MarksOn January 16, a few days after losing to the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, Baltimore Ravens quarterback <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamar_Jackson" target="_blank">Lamar Jackson</a> filed three applications with the <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/" target="_blank">U.S Patent and Trademark Office</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMu8RNULNicubj1N_lccTyn4IObpUUIzIbgflpxJSrQVwr7iAw0K0XOYpeN7qz71gQt-XSaUt7vxOwUnHJI6_Y4fATQ8jI6P1rZmyqppl1keKt7CwKFFr2-8Wp_Er4k-rmZZbRdhdL_z1_/s1600/lamar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMu8RNULNicubj1N_lccTyn4IObpUUIzIbgflpxJSrQVwr7iAw0K0XOYpeN7qz71gQt-XSaUt7vxOwUnHJI6_Y4fATQ8jI6P1rZmyqppl1keKt7CwKFFr2-8Wp_Er4k-rmZZbRdhdL_z1_/s1600/lamar.png" /></a></div>
The applications are for the following marks:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88762524&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">NOT BAD FOR A RUNNING BACK</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88762692&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">YOU ARE GOING TO GET A BOWL OUT OF ME, BELIEVE THAT!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88762527&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">TRUZZ</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
The applications cover the same goods in Class 25, namely "Bottoms as clothing; Footwear; Headwear; Tops as clothing; Undergarments." According to the applications, Lamar is already using NOT BAD FOR A RUNNING BACK as a trademark for that apparel, but is not currently using the other two marks (although the applications suggests he has a bona fide intention to do so in the near future).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Back in April 2019, the same attorney who filed these applications obtained a federal trademark registration for the name <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87796370&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">LAMAR JACKSON</a> covering similar apparel items, as well as backpacks, athletic bags, duffel bags, and sports bag. With that application, Lamar submitted his written consent to register his name as a trademark (see below). Such written consent is required under <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TFSR/current#/current/sec-be547ab1-b587-4b44-abc6-3ca12e56141d.html" target="_blank">Section 2(c)</a> of the Trademark Act when a trademark incorporates the name of a living individual.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I0I7PhgQzFBmYAVudtry27-ZyBf4DQXwGdP_H2DK03WHLG4Jh00Y_nv_L1Xqh0CG5JLW2nKaHdfDevp7o0go7JzfugqArWuPAX1fFpI-TuXNJ5QSdpH6q6pA-FR5GxvKSoAcHKZ3A3Oh/s1600/lamar%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="702" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I0I7PhgQzFBmYAVudtry27-ZyBf4DQXwGdP_H2DK03WHLG4Jh00Y_nv_L1Xqh0CG5JLW2nKaHdfDevp7o0go7JzfugqArWuPAX1fFpI-TuXNJ5QSdpH6q6pA-FR5GxvKSoAcHKZ3A3Oh/s320/lamar%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Lamar Jackson, individually, is listed as the owner of each application above. According to my quick search, there are currently three other federal trademark applications pending that are owned by Lamar Jackson. All three are for various logos that appear to be related to his <a href="https://era8apparel.com/" target="_blank">Era 8</a> apparel line.</div>
Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-79886034624866131302020-01-01T07:30:00.000-05:002020-01-01T07:30:11.458-05:00Quarterly Index (10/1/19 - 12/31/19)<b><u>Entertainment Trademark Filings:</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2019/11/fox-files-application-to-register-ok.html" target="_blank">Fox Files Application to Register OK BOOMER as a Trademark for an On-Going Reality Television Competition</a> [11/15/19]</li>
<li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2019/11/alligator-farm-in-florida-files.html" target="_blank">Alligator Farm in Florida Files Application to Register CHANCE THE SNAPPER as a Trademark for Clothing, Live Performances by an Alligator</a> [ 11/12/19]</li>
</ul>
<b><u>Food and Drink Trademark Filings:</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2019/12/fans-of-tapatio-hot-sauce-may-soon-have.html" target="_blank">Fans of Tapatio Hot Sauce May Soon Have Tapatio Beer, Potato Chips According to Recent Trademark Applications</a> [12/10/19]</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><u>Sports Trademark Filings:</u></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2019/12/heisman-winner-and-lsu-quarterback-joe.html" target="_blank">Heisman Winner and LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow Files Applications to Register His Name/Nickname as Trademarks</a> [12/23/19]</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b><u>Other Unique Trademark Filings:</u></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2019/10/st-marys-county-sheriff-in-maryland.html" target="_blank">St. Mary's County Sheriff in Maryland Files Applications to Register Sheriff Badges as Trademarks</a> [10/21/19]</li>
</ul>
</div>
Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-58760190735893673692019-12-23T12:39:00.001-05:002019-12-23T12:39:27.100-05:00Heisman Winner and LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow Files Applications to Register His Name/Nickname as TrademarksLike so many other athletes, 2019 Heisman Trophy winner and current LSU quarterback <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Burrow" target="_blank">Joe Burrow</a> is filing trademark applications for his name and nickname.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpr3IhTvxc6MfMLjHnbTAtYUwqhLIRXr6uhyphenhyphenThwGJ9c2Lgo7B8Do_l0a7NGS5wBFrGwkBAIhW1WDCQMoDl2kz5-BJDwg1qbTr__wDHtTpEORrnkyYb4QbJcMo2smt3AFvdW243eGgyWjl/s1600/Burreaux.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpr3IhTvxc6MfMLjHnbTAtYUwqhLIRXr6uhyphenhyphenThwGJ9c2Lgo7B8Do_l0a7NGS5wBFrGwkBAIhW1WDCQMoDl2kz5-BJDwg1qbTr__wDHtTpEORrnkyYb4QbJcMo2smt3AFvdW243eGgyWjl/s1600/Burreaux.png" /></a></div>
On December 18, Joe Burrow filed two federal trademark applications with the <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a> (USPTO) for the following marks:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88731462&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">JOE BURROW</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88731491&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">BURREAUX</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
Both applications cover the same services, namely:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>(Class 25) Athletic apparel, namely, shirts, pants, jackets, footwear, hats and caps, athletic uniforms; sports jerseys; headwear, namely, caps, hats, skull caps and visors; apparel and clothing, namely, aprons, ascots, bandanas, bath robes, bathing trunks/bathing drawers, bathing suits/swimsuits, beach clothes, belts, bibs, not of paper, coats, cuffs/wristbands, dresses, dressing gowns, ear muffs, gloves, headbands, hoods, jackets, jerseys, jumper dresses/pinafore dresses, knitwear, leggings, neckties, outerclothing, overalls/smocks, pants/drawers, paper clothing, paper hats, parkas, pocket squares, pockets for clothing, ponchos, pullovers/jumpers, pajamas, scarves/scarfs, shawls, shirts, short-sleeve shirts, sports jerseys, skirts, socks, suspenders, stockings, sweat-absorbent stockings, sweat-absorbent underclothing, anti-sweat underwear, sweaters, tee-shirts, tights, trousers, underpants, underwear, underclothing, uniforms; footwear; footwear, namely, sandals, slippers, tennis shoes, football shoes, cleats, sports shoes</li>
<li>(Class 35) Endorsement services, namely, promoting the goods and services of others</li>
</ul>
<div>
Joe filed the applications on an intent-to-use basis, suggesting he is not currently using his name and nickname as a trademark for these goods and services yet, but has a bona fide intention to do so in the near future. <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-800d1e693.html" target="_blank">TMEP 806.01(b)</a>; <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TFSR/current#/current/sec-78769f64-81f6-41f2-85f6-bfeb0d674399.html" target="_blank">15 USC 1051(b)</a>. Before these marks can register, Joe will need to start providing the listed goods and services under these marks in interstate commerce and submit sufficient proof of such use to the USPTO. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1100d1e82.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1103</a>.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Notably missing from the applications is a declaration from Joe Burrow consenting to the registration of his name and nickname as a trademark. <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TFSR/current#/current/sec-be547ab1-b587-4b44-abc6-3ca12e56141d.html" target="_blank">Section 2(c)</a> of the Trademark Act absolutely bars the registration of a mark that "[c]onsists of or comprises a name, portrait, or signature identifying a particular living individual except by his written consent..." This prohibition applies to nicknames as well. <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1200d1e4740.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1206.01</a>. The USPTO will require this declaration from Joe before the marks can be registered.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Both applications were filed in Joe Burrow's name individually by Randy Cangelosi, an attorney at Kean Miller LLP in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. These are the first federal trademark applications listing "Joe Burrow" as the owner.</div>
Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-69940781947838256332019-12-10T10:52:00.000-05:002019-12-10T10:52:11.348-05:00Fans of Tapatio Hot Sauce May Soon Have Tapatio Beer, Potato Chips According to Recent Trademark Applications<a href="https://tapatiohotsauce.com/" target="_blank">Tapatio</a> is well-known for its hot sauce, but the hot sauce company may be moving into different product lines, if recent applications filed with the <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a> are any indication.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjfh31-dMq3Xre4qkz-ALJSrF8Mrq63uwfjrdmZCcUYBua-oCQCc_DOK_JmBk9ZCatNW9fW5ea0umBXsY1WFDy5Cyo3ioa-ekiQiJe-GjXy0jMXofr1_37w3uXvUMLSWj9iGDF7GnyTb4/s1600/tapatio.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjfh31-dMq3Xre4qkz-ALJSrF8Mrq63uwfjrdmZCcUYBua-oCQCc_DOK_JmBk9ZCatNW9fW5ea0umBXsY1WFDy5Cyo3ioa-ekiQiJe-GjXy0jMXofr1_37w3uXvUMLSWj9iGDF7GnyTb4/s1600/tapatio.png" /></a></div>
On December 5, Tapatio Foods, LLC filed four federal trademark applications for the marks below:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88717134&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">TAPATIO</a> covering "beer" in Class 32;</li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88717086&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">TAPATIO</a> covering "potato chips" in Class 29;</li>
<li>The <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88717097&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">logo above</a> covering "potato chips" in Class 29; and</li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88717094&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">TAPTIO</a> covering "beer" in Class 32.*</li>
</ul>
<div>
* likely a spelling error (will probably result in an abandonment of this application by Tapatio Foods).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tapatio Foods, LLC filed each application on an intent-to-use basis, suggesting the company is not currently using its name and logo with the listed goods yet, but has a bona fide intention to do so in the near future. <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-800d1e693.html" target="_blank">TMEP 806.01(b)</a>; <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TFSR/current#/current/sec-78769f64-81f6-41f2-85f6-bfeb0d674399.html" target="_blank">15 USC 1051(b)</a>. Before these marks can register, Tapatio Foods will need to start selling beer under the Tapatio name and potato chips under the Tapatio name and logo. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1100d1e82.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1103</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While these applications by no means require Tapatio Foods to start selling beer or potato chips, the do suggest something is in the works. Tapatio fans - keep an eye out for Tapatio beer and potato chips in the near future.</div>
Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-58998837783483908842019-11-15T10:58:00.001-05:002019-11-15T10:58:11.943-05:00Fox Files Application to Register OK BOOMER as a Trademark for an On-Going Reality Television CompetitionIs <a href="https://www.fox.com/" target="_blank">Fox</a> developing a reality TV show called OK BOOMER? A recent trademark application indicates such a show is in the works.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnpiugUnAVBa_YacO8JM9_wHaqpGy9VVh1yAnWt7d6YJfkBnBT8R_SabaTR-GlukhCmSphQkqRVpZa8PGJH2wrNMbfi9JBsk7D99SV5BSHeY0PENJMEwfv-9izbSAtst06u9makblKcou/s1600/OK+BOOMER.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnpiugUnAVBa_YacO8JM9_wHaqpGy9VVh1yAnWt7d6YJfkBnBT8R_SabaTR-GlukhCmSphQkqRVpZa8PGJH2wrNMbfi9JBsk7D99SV5BSHeY0PENJMEwfv-9izbSAtst06u9makblKcou/s1600/OK+BOOMER.png" /></a></div>
On November 11, Fox Media LLC filed a federal trademark application with the <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a> for the words <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88687936&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">OK BOOMER</a>. The application covers the following services in Class 41:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Entertainment services, namely, an on-going television series featuring reality competition, comedy, and game shows; providing on-line information in the field of television and video entertainment featuring reality competition, comedy, and game shows via the Internet; entertainment services in the nature of non-downloadable videos and images featuring television shows about reality competition, comedy, and game shows transmitted via the Internet and wireless communication networks</blockquote>
Fox filed the application on an intent-to-use basis, suggesting this trademark isn't currently being used with the listed services, but the network has a bona fide intention to use this mark in the near future. <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TFSR/current#/current/sec-78769f64-81f6-41f2-85f6-bfeb0d674399.html" target="_blank">15 USC 1051(b)</a>; <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-800d1e693.html" target="_blank">TMEP 806.01(b)</a>. Before the mark can register, Fox will need to start rendering the listed services, including a reality TV show, under the OK BOOMER mark.<br />
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The "OK BOOMER" phrase <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2019/11/13/problem-with-ok-boomer/" target="_blank">went viral</a> on social media recently and is commonly used by younger generations as a jab to the baby boomer generation. Now, it appears, Fox may be attempting to capitalize on that popularity (rightfully or wrongfully) by developing a related reality television show, along with related online content.<br />
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Fox Media LLC appears to be a holding company for the network's trademarks. That entity currently owns 571 active trademark applications or registrations with the USPTO, including many for Fox programs like <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88268128&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">THE MASKED SINGER</a> and <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=76154037&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">FOX & FRIENDS</a>.Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-38531121915862382842019-11-12T09:13:00.000-05:002019-11-12T09:13:07.230-05:00Alligator Farm in Florida Files Application to Register CHANCE THE SNAPPER as a Trademark for Clothing, Live Performances by an AlligatorYou've probably heard of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chance_the_Rapper" target="_blank">Chance the Rapper</a>. But CHANCE THE SNAPPER? If you're from Chicago, maybe. This past summer, the 5-foot-long alligator nicknamed Chance the Snapper by an online poll was <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/07/16/742215100/chance-the-snapper-is-snared-alligator-caught-after-a-wild-week-in-chicago-park" target="_blank">captured</a> after spending a week in Chicago's Humboldt Park on the city's West Side. After being captured, the city <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chance_the_Snapper" target="_blank">transferred</a> the alligator to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in St. Augustine, Florida.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY5KS3bCZCGcp94seAVRW2M07mixJnA8TTj1_iPSTeDwDZ28tgsNrwdZbJs8EjH8ASggZGC_-qUENZm3pqdWyr-BdwzBK0YSy8yc6kMo-z1O4-sxfZ-3ffwLxrXW15MO71bgejWQB9_j7/s1600/chance+the+snapper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY5KS3bCZCGcp94seAVRW2M07mixJnA8TTj1_iPSTeDwDZ28tgsNrwdZbJs8EjH8ASggZGC_-qUENZm3pqdWyr-BdwzBK0YSy8yc6kMo-z1O4-sxfZ-3ffwLxrXW15MO71bgejWQB9_j7/s320/chance+the+snapper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Inc. that filed a federal trademark application for <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88683345&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">CHANCE THE SNAPPER</a> on November 7. The application covers:<br />
<ul>
<li>Entertainment services, namely, live performances by an alligator (Class 41); and</li>
<li>Clothing, namely, shirts, hats, jackets, sweatshirts, headwear, footwear (Class 25.</li>
</ul>
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According to the application, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm has been using CHANCE THE SNAPPER as a trademark for these goods and services since at least July 18, 2019 (specimens of use submitted with the application are seen above and below).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvVW8uxcmDBPkd5QSE97Jtwad_ymfR8NI436fsKI0L9zpQ7LEMc_DDcSuDRVoc6v5fS5pScK7CGXTAMXGQg6W_ZLUneFeJhZW_zZhTbvRxrAnhFqZS4HjAiQ3db2GlPDzr6oWFuS8SlcF/s1600/chance+the+snapper+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1280" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvVW8uxcmDBPkd5QSE97Jtwad_ymfR8NI436fsKI0L9zpQ7LEMc_DDcSuDRVoc6v5fS5pScK7CGXTAMXGQg6W_ZLUneFeJhZW_zZhTbvRxrAnhFqZS4HjAiQ3db2GlPDzr6oWFuS8SlcF/s320/chance+the+snapper+shirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But will the alligator farm run into issues with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office during the registration process? Possibly.</div>
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For starters, Chance the Rapper obtained his own federal trademark registration for <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=86223616&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">CHANCE THE RAPPER</a> in 2014, which also covers a variety of entertainment services in Class 41 and apparel in Class 25. If the USPTO believes CHANCE THE SNAPPER is confusingly similar to that mark, it will refuse registration of CHANCE THE SNAPPER under Section 2(d) of the Trademark Act. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1200d1e5036.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1207 </a><i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1200d1e5036.html" target="_blank">et. seq</a>.</i></div>
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Regardless of whether the USPTO thinks there is a likelihood of confusion with the CHANCE THE RAPPER mark, it could still refuse registration under Section 2(a) of the Trademark Act, which bars the registration of a mark that "consists of or comprises matter which, with regard to persons...falsely suggests a connection with them."<a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1200d1e3540.html" target="_blank"> TMEP 1203.03</a>; <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TFSR/current#/current/sec-be547ab1-b587-4b44-abc6-3ca12e56141d.html" target="_blank">15 USC 1052(a)</a>.</div>
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To establish that a proposed mark falsely suggests a connection with a person or an institution, it must be shown that:</div>
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<ol>
<li>the mark is the same as, or a close approximation of, the name or identity previously used by another person or institution;</li>
<li>the mark would be recognized as such, in that it points uniquely and unmistakably to that person or institution;</li>
<li>the person or institution named by the mark is not connected with the activities performed by the applicant under the mark; and</li>
<li>the fame or reputation of the person or institution is such that, when the mark is used with the applicant’s goods or services, a connection with the person or institution would be presumed.</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/ch1200_d1ff5f_1203_03-c-i.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1203.03(c)(i)</a>. Further "a mark does not have to comprise a person’s full or correct name to be unregistrable; a nickname or other designation by which a person is known by the public may be unregistrable under this provision of the Act." <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1200d1e3540.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1203.03</a>.</div>
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What do you think? Is CHANCE THE SNAPPER for entertainment services and apparel confusingly similar to CHANCE THE RAPPER for entertainment services and apparel? Is CHANCE THE SNAPPER a close approximation of CHANCE THE RAPPER, would it be recognized as pointing uniquely and unmistakably to Chance the Rapper, and would people believe Chance the Rapper is associated with CHANCE THE SNAPPER even though he might not be?</div>
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We'll find out what the USPTO thinks in approximately three months when this application is reviewed by an examining attorney.</div>
Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-10007432012559075762019-10-21T09:46:00.003-04:002019-10-21T09:46:30.950-04:00St. Mary's County Sheriff in Maryland Files Applications to Register Sheriff Badges as TrademarksOn October 16, the Sheriff Of St. Mary's County, a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Mary%27s_County,_Maryland" target="_blank">small county</a> in Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay, filed three applications to register various sheriff badges and a patch as trademarks for "police and civil protection services." Each mark is seen below.<br />
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<a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88657073&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A08G3Mb73DL9zTbBaItRSfsHwjXhLSAdo2MQELZiSm_gg0DUCZ4P-suDA9zTSuqI8LbH3IkYOTGlygMg-y3cVs1SM03EvN7XY6d0vLEK9sBAB3luWgcJIsTJo3Q2gffuTx7GYZxQfTDX/s1600/sheriff+patch.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88657064&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MMjYa_4gs08G7BV8JG8txjUoCyzJKZLwdZunKqb36GIPxvdkxkKXoA4Rj5-dPygXWn31Jj6bdngPMubgDzmI8jXmy7Wu9GVSCv1V2a4Dtk-3ZVqnoybU_5MOBFZo-wDtIWNP52vVN1K6/s1600/sheriff+badge.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88657054&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBFpIjhJncPP4eq339qMATfNdX4zcE5BbuBOWOWZYB_6OibIhb8siGu0fls4lOXDpXtetzrop-9ByyTw8JO1wQv4iR3UNBFuVUffzQGvGsYlEaTTO5ryM5tabyxZd5YPp1-aRLDtCk6tM/s1600/sheriff+badge%25282%2529.png" /></a></div>
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Government entities can file for and own trademark registrations (I blogged about an application for the Navy's <a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2015/09/us-navy-files-trademark-for-ncis-badge.html" target="_blank">NCIS badge</a> a few years ago, for example), but there are some statutory restrictions. Section 2(b) of the Lanham Act prohibits the registration of any mark consisting of or that comprises "the flag or coat of arms or other insignia of the United States, or of any State or municipality, or of any foreign nation, or any simulation thereof." <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TFSR/current#/current/sec-be547ab1-b587-4b44-abc6-3ca12e56141d.html" target="_blank">15 USC 1052(b)</a>;<a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/result/TMEP-1200d1e3998.html?q=insignia&ccb=on&ncb=off&icb=off&fcb=off&ver=current&syn=adj&results=compact&sort=relevance&cnt=10" target="_blank"> TMEP 1204</a>.</div>
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For example, the Seal of the President of the United States and the Department of Commerce seal cannot be registered as trademarks (even if the president or the Department of Commerce is the applicant). <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/result/TMEP-1200d1e4194.html?q=insignia&ccb=on&ncb=off&icb=off&fcb=off&ver=current&syn=adj&results=compact&sort=relevance&cnt=10" target="_blank">TMEP 1204.02(b)</a>. However, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board has held that "department insignia which are merely used to identify a service or facility of the Government are not insignia" equivalent to the "flag or cost of arms" of the United States and may be registered as trademarks. <i>In re U.S. Dep't of the Interior</i>, 142 USPQ 506, 507 (TTAB 1964). The insignia of municipal law enforcement offices falls within this exception.</div>
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These applications are another example that it is not only private consumers who benefit from a federal trademark registration. Governmental entities can benefit as well.</div>
Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-59710392566626649082019-10-01T08:00:00.000-04:002019-11-14T11:39:20.020-05:00Quarterly Index (7/1/19 - 9/30/19)<b><u>Entertainment Trademark Filings:</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2019/07/hot-girl-summer-is-here-megan-thees.html" target="_blank">Hot Girl Summer is Here - Megan Thee's Record Label Files Five Applications to Register HOT GIRL SUMMER as a Trademark</a> [7/25/19]</li>
</ul>
<b><u>Food and Drink Trademark Filings:</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2019/08/recent-trademark-applications-suggest.html" target="_blank">Recent Trademark Applications Suggest Yuengling Brewery May Be Launching a New Beer Called "Yuengling Flight"</a> [8/15/19]</li>
</ul>
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<b><u>Sports Trademark Filings:</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2019/08/the-san-antonio-spurs-are-filing.html" target="_blank">The San Antonio Spurs Are Filing Trademark Applications for Hockey Teams</a> [8/30/19]</li>
<li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2019/08/palm-springs-ahl-affiliate-files-three.html" target="_blank">Palm Springs AHL Affiliate Files Three More Trademark Applications for Potential Team Names</a> [8/20/19]</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<b><u>Other Unique Trademark Filings:</u></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2019/07/toy-company-wowwee-files-application-to.html" target="_blank">Toy Company WowWee Files Application to Register BOTTLE CAP CHALLENGE as a Trademark</a> [7/9/19]</li>
</ul>
</div>
Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-18575519509404791372019-08-30T10:38:00.001-04:002019-08-30T10:38:06.409-04:00The San Antonio Spurs Are Filing Trademark Applications for Hockey TeamsIs minor league hockey coming back to San Antonio? Recent trademark applications suggest it might be.<br />
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On August 26, San Antonio Spurs, LLC d/b/a Spurs Sports & Entertainment filed four hockey-related trademark applications with the <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a> - one for the words <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88593453&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">SAN ANTONIO IGUANAS</a>, one for the words <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88593426&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">SAN ANTONIO DRAGONS</a>, and applications for the related logos seen below.<br />
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<a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88593398&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-rRwzhIHsW0OQ7iuTNRApISB9Fmv1Jz9S6eEJAs783cg1VPyyEr8L0L2q0-20mPgkeeWwnDwMqTkDP3fj7KWPorOATYs9EvVl3lKVL4IC9aIEXvXr4bm0bxKbmUf7wCDiV3_gYO1Uqlc/s1600/sa+dragons.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88593442&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmA57-vGQFoUSVUrp3v-jTlgfDQh9CT7_X4i-UmdKMzQscUcyoH4p9VEU57P6uohM7kPsngKt-smblMt8uDDo8jp0jW6c6h2_-9b6wPoc0vd7C1rw3Z6H0DbqOx4eJ3RJw-AwSaLZA6Aut/s1600/sa+iguanas.png" /></a></div>
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Both the Dragons and the Iguanas used to be minor league hockey teams in San Antonio. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Dragons" target="_blank">Dragons</a> were a team in the International Hockey League for two seasons from 1996-1998. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Iguanas" target="_blank">Iguanas</a> were in the Central Hockey League and active from 1994-1997 and again from 1998-2002. Both teams played at Freeman Coliseum.</div>
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These trademark applications cover a variety of clothing items, like uniforms, shirts, pants, and hats, as well as a variety of merchandise like autograph books, printed guides in the field of hockey, and stickers, so it's possible the Spurs only intend to sell vintage hockey apparel and merchandise. </div>
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The services in Class 41, however, are the most interesting. They cover "Entertainment services in the nature of hockey games and hockey related exhibitions." These are services typically seen in a trademark registration for a hockey team (like this <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=77211050&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">one</a> for the Boston Bruins).</div>
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Does this mean minor league hockey is actually coming back to San Antonio? Not necessarily. Although the Spurs filed these applications on an intent-to-use basis (<i>see</i> <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-800d1e693.html" target="_blank">TMEP 806.01(b)</a>), which requires them to have a bona fide intention to use these trademark in conjunction with the listed goods and services (including hockey games), it in no way <i>requires</i> the Spurs to start using the marks with those goods and services. However, if the Spurs want to obtain a registration for these marks in Class 41, they'll eventually need to actually start using these marks in conjunction with hockey games and submit sufficient proof of same to the USPTO. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1100d1e82.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1103</a>.</div>
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Filing trademark applications for vintage teams isn't uncommon. Back in April, I blogged about the NFL's trademark applications for <a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2019/04/is-nfl-team-coming-to-duluth-nfl-files.html" target="_blank">DULUTH ESKIMOS</a>, an old football team. </div>
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According to my quick search, these trademark applications are the first federal applications for hockey-related goods/services ever filed by San Antonio Spurs, LLC.</div>
Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-43060785657894863802019-08-20T09:17:00.001-04:002019-08-20T09:20:16.035-04:00Palm Springs AHL Affiliate Files Three More Trademark Applications for Potential Team Names<a href="http://www.oakviewgroup.com/" target="_blank">Oak View Group, LLC</a>, the owner of <a href="https://www.nhl.com/seattle" target="_blank">Seattle's new NHL</a> franchise, added three more candidates to the list of possible names for the team's <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/hockey/nhl-seattle-chooses-palm-springs-as-site-for-new-ahl-farm-team/" target="_blank">AHL affiliate</a> in Palm Springs. On August 15, the group filed three new trademark applications with the USPTO for:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88580075&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">PALM SPRINGS SUN</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88580069&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">PALM SPRINGS DRAGONS</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88580066&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">PALM SPRINGS FALCONS</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
All the applications cover "Entertainment in the nature of hockey games" in Class 41. The applications were filed by the same attorney and law firm that filed three other trademark applications for potential team names earlier in August that cover the same services:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88579157&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">PALM SPRINGS HAWKS</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88579154&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">PALM SPRINGS EAGLES</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88573330&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">PALM SPRINGS FIREBIRDS</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
These earlier applications seemed to suggest a "bird" theme for the new AHL team, but the recent applications for "DRAGONS" and "SUN" indicate that might not be the case.<br />
<br />
It's not uncommon for a new team to file multiple trademark applications on an intent-to-use basis for potential team names. Back in June 2016, I <a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2016/06/trademark-filings-hint-at-tucson-ahl.html" target="_blank">blogged</a> about several filings for Tucson, Arizona's new AHL team (the Arizona Coyotes affiliate). That team ended up choosing the TUCSON ROADRUNNERS. And back in January 2016, I <a href="https://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2016/01/chargers-football-company-files.html" target="_blank">blogged</a> about applications for the LA CHARGERS filed by the Chargers Football Company before the NFL teamed moved to LA.<br />
<br />
While you may see more trademark filings by the Oak View Group, LLC, it's very possible the name of the new AHL team in Palm Springs will be one of those listed above.</div>
</div>
Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-65691784999129828802019-08-15T10:29:00.001-04:002019-08-15T10:29:47.229-04:00Recent Trademark Applications Suggest Yuengling Brewery May Be Launching a New Beer Called "Yuengling Flight"Is a new beer in the works over at <a href="https://www.yuengling.com/" target="_blank">Yuengling</a>? Recent trademark applications filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office suggest so.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc4SKvE8APWZeTbYkvJxwLIptafNGVHhCDaFk2SrV89zsqOnngEj7ZEZx0ynIyv4p8a7LNmS2YyaDO3V56F8iDQiAA48rk2l3jmecuQGZ94CIDtoMquLfWnkJMBs68SRI_6MnPsUO3YcY/s1600/yuengling+flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc4SKvE8APWZeTbYkvJxwLIptafNGVHhCDaFk2SrV89zsqOnngEj7ZEZx0ynIyv4p8a7LNmS2YyaDO3V56F8iDQiAA48rk2l3jmecuQGZ94CIDtoMquLfWnkJMBs68SRI_6MnPsUO3YcY/s1600/yuengling+flight.jpg" /></a></div>
On August 9, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. filed two federal trademark applications with the <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a> - one for the <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88572998&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">design</a> seen above and the other for the words <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88572989&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">YUENGLING FLIGHT</a>. Both applications cover "beer" in Class 32.<br />
<br />
Yuengling, which is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuengling" target="_blank">oldest</a> operating brewing company in the United States, filed both applications on an intent-to-use basis. That basis indicates the brewery is not currently using this name and logo in commerce as a trademark for beer yet, but has a bona fide intention to do so in the near future. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-800d1e693.html" target="_blank">TMEP 806.01(b)</a>.<br />
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In other words, it seems these applications are for the name and logo of a new beer that Yuengling plans to release in the near future. That's especially true considering the brewery will need to submit labels or packaging for a beer that shows these marks before the marks can be registered. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e636.html" target="_blank">TMEP 904.03</a>. Had these applications listed something like "brewery services," I would not be as convinced they are for the name/logo of a beer rather than something like an advertising slogan for the brewery as a whole.<br />
<br />
Last year, Yuengling launched a new "<a href="https://www.brewbound.com/news/d-g-yuengling-son-launches-new-spread-wings-ad-campaign" target="_blank">Spread Your Wings</a>" advertising campaign that pays tribute to the brewery's original name - "Eagle Brewery" - and the eagle design featured on its labels. These recent trademark applications, therefore, appear to be very on brand.<br />
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According to my quick search, these are the only federal trademark applications filed by D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. in 2019.Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-46121058834970518602019-07-25T09:03:00.000-04:002019-07-25T09:03:44.523-04:00Hot Girl Summer is Here - Megan Thee's Record Label Files Five Applications to Register HOT GIRL SUMMER as a TrademarkIt's been dubbed the "<a href="https://www.oprahmag.com/life/a28401618/what-is-hot-girl-summer-megan-thee-stallion/" target="_blank">catchphrase of summer 2019</a>" and now it's the subject of five federal trademark applications. Rapper Megan Thee reportedly coined the term HOT GIRL SUMMER earlier this year, which she says <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nielaorr/hot-girl-summer-megan-thee-stallion" target="_blank">means</a> "“It’s just basically about women — and men — just being unapologetically them, just having a good-ass time, hyping up your friends, doing you, not giving a damn about what nobody got to say about it." With the phrase taking off, it appears Thee's record company is now taking steps to protect it through federal trademark registrations with the <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Y2-MLdAp2W7_eClhQ2KWfcklyHALsq5OrUzUqgiY6vQ-lBe21zS-f_xME6Ukl5TT-bMWkhyphenhyphen1-qen1Y_9EB4gruCv1bTZ9p0gg5ZGg17OgmbGdvJ0j-zFFWZayZbdON_PGb5O53wPNTMh/s1600/hotgirlsummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="336" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Y2-MLdAp2W7_eClhQ2KWfcklyHALsq5OrUzUqgiY6vQ-lBe21zS-f_xME6Ukl5TT-bMWkhyphenhyphen1-qen1Y_9EB4gruCv1bTZ9p0gg5ZGg17OgmbGdvJ0j-zFFWZayZbdON_PGb5O53wPNTMh/s320/hotgirlsummer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
On July 21, Theory Entertainment, LLC (the legal entity that owns the <a href="http://300ent.com/" target="_blank">300 Entertainment</a> logo trademark <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=86455033&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">registration</a>, which is Thee's record label) filed five trademark applications for HOT GIRL SUMMER, each in a different class (hence the five applications), covering:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88526224&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">Entertainment in the nature of live performances by a musical artist or entertainer; entertainment in the nature of visual and audio performances by a musical artist or entertainer; and various related services</a> (Class 41);</li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88526221&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">Streaming of music, audio material, images, video material and other multimedia content over the internet, wireless networks and other computer networks and electronic communications networks; electronic transmission of streamed and downloadable music, audio, video and other multimedia content for others; broadcasting and electronic transmission of streamed and downloadable digital music, audio, video and multimedia content for others</a> (Class 38);</li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88526219&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">A wide variety of clothing items</a> (Class 25);</li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88526218&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">Various novelty items like posters, calendars, temporary tattoos, postcards, and scrapbooks </a>(Class 16); and</li>
<li><a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88526217&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">Musical sound recordings, downloadable video recordings featuring music, electronic games via the internet, and various related goods</a> (Class 9).</li>
</ul>
<div>
The applications were filed on an intent-to-use basis, which means the record label must actually use the phrase as a trademark for the listed goods and services before these applications can mature into registrations. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1100d1e1.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1101</a> <i>et. seq.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
On that same day, Theory Entertainment filed trademark applications for REAL HOT GIRL SHIT, COGNAC QUEEN, and TINA SNOW, all covering the same goods and services. Back in April 2019, the label filed similar applications for HOT GIRL MEG and MEGAN THEE STALLION.<br />
<br />
A few days ago, Billboard.com <a href="https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8523287/megan-thee-stallion-hot-girl-summer-trademark" target="_blank">incorrectly reported</a> that Thee filed a trademark application for <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88507129&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">HOT GIRL SUMMER</a> on July 10. While an application to register HOT GIRL SUMMER as a trademark for clothing was filed on July 10, it was not filed Thee or her label, but rather by an individual in D.C. who appears to have no relation to the rapper. Procedurally, because that application was filed before Thee's applications, it will be a barrier to Thee's registration of the same mark, but Thee has several options for getting over that barrier, both inside and outside the USPTO (a cease and desist letter, obtaining an assignment of the mark, opposing the application, etc.). </div>
Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7542771356317608853.post-84945009694362677202019-07-09T08:56:00.000-04:002019-07-09T08:56:22.058-04:00Toy Company WowWee Files Application to Register BOTTLE CAP CHALLENGE as a TrademarkHave you heard of the viral Bottle Cap Challenge making its rounds on social media in recent weeks? The challenge involves normal people (and <a href="https://people.com/celebrity/celebrities-doing-the-bottlecap-challenge/" target="_blank">celebrities</a>) unscrewing a bottle cap with a round house kick. Exciting, huh?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznF7c9-GQYG1VtEHYghFIPZtSSj-zJcSByWr_AruI_iS3bGy2DWPMeBDW7sq7zEmg7vapGLZSEoVY2A770j6Pvs6ncSucxhUj5gvSJwiTED3hFPE34nSFsuhRc9viiRmOATxcIs7zpeqK/s1600/bottle+cap+challenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznF7c9-GQYG1VtEHYghFIPZtSSj-zJcSByWr_AruI_iS3bGy2DWPMeBDW7sq7zEmg7vapGLZSEoVY2A770j6Pvs6ncSucxhUj5gvSJwiTED3hFPE34nSFsuhRc9viiRmOATxcIs7zpeqK/s1600/bottle+cap+challenge.png" /></a></div>
One company, however, is trying to register the phrase as a federal trademark. On July 4, Hong Kong-based toy company <a href="https://wowwee.com/" target="_blank">WowWee</a> filed an application to register <a href="http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88500822&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch" target="_blank">BOTTLE CAP CHALLENGE</a> as a trademark with the <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a>. The application covers "Games, toys and playthings" in Class 28. WowWee filed the application on an intent-to-use basis. <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-800d1e693.html" target="_blank">TMEP 806.01(b)</a>; <a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TFSR/current#/current/sec-78769f64-81f6-41f2-85f6-bfeb0d674399.html" target="_blank">15 USC 1051(b)</a>.<br />
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Does this mean WowWee can prevent others from using the term BOTTLE CAP CHALLENGE? No.<br />
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For starters, the vast majority of those using "Bottle Cap Challenge" are not using it as a trademark (i.e., to identify the source of goods or services). They are only using it as the name of a particular viral challenge. And this fact may make it harder for WowWee to register it as a trademark. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/ch1200_d29b4b_25b93_92.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1202.04(b)</a> ("The more commonly a term or phrase is used in everyday speech or in an associational or affinitive manner by various sources, the less likely consumers will perceive the matter as a trademark or service mark for any goods and services.").<br />
<br />
Further, WowWee's trademark application only covers "Games, toys and playthings." If this application actually registers, WowWee's trademark rights are limited to those goods and anything related to them. Selling unrelated goods or offering unrelated services under the same mark will not infringe the toy company's trademark rights.<br />
<br />
And finally, because the trademark application was filed on an intent-to-use basis, WowWee must actually start using BOTTLE CAP CHALLENGE as a trademark for "Games, toys and playthings" and submit sufficient proof of such use to the USPTO before this mark can be registered. <i>See </i><a href="https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1100d1e82.html" target="_blank">TMEP 1103</a>. If they never start selling toys under this trademark, the application will eventually go dead and the mark won't register.<br />
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According to my quick search, this is the first and only federal trademark application for BOTTLE CAP CHALLENGE pending with the USPTO.<br />
<br />
My best guess as to why the toy company filed this application? They probably want to market some type of toy or game based on the Bottle Cap Challenge.Alex Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635020716676056646noreply@blogger.com0