TRADEMARK EXAMIIVATION WORKSHEET
`
`Cl NO CHANGE
`U AMENDMENT STAGE
`Name: TANYA WINSTON L.O.
`110
`
`D/ITUBL.QATION/REGISTRATI§%S}AGE
`’ 3
`Date@ //5//2002
`Serial No. 75/0@
`
`78
`
`INSTRUCTIONS: Place a check mark in the appropriate column and/or box to indicate which data elements have been amended/coded.
`
`Leal Instrument Examiner (LIE)
`
`Class Data
`
`Cl Prime/International Class
`El First Use Date
`
`Data Element
`Cl Goods and Services
`[I First Use in Commerce Date
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`C]
`
`In Another Form
`
`C] Certification
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`Mark Data
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`Cl Word Mark
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`[I Mark Drawing Code
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`El Scan Sub Drawing
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`U MarkDescription
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`Cl Lining/Stippling
`U Translation
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`Misc. MarkData
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`Section 2(1)
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`Correction to filing basis
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`C] Pseudo Mark
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`C] Design Search Code
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`Re-Scan drawing
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`Cl Disclaimer
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`El Name/Portrait/Consent
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`El Section 2(t) Entire Mark
`El Section 2(t) Limitation Statement
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`E] Section 2(i') in Part
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`Cl Amended Register
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`C] Amended Register Date
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`Foreign Reg. Data
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`Cl Foreign Country
`[I Foreign Application Number
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`I] Foreign Application Filing Date
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`El Foreign Registration Number
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`[I Foreign Registration Date
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`[I Foreign Registration Expiration Date
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`El Foreign Renewal Reg. Number
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`CI Foreign Reg. Renewal Expiration Date
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`Cl Foreign Renewal Reg. Date
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`Owner Data
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`Amd/Corr Restn
`Prior U.S. Reg.
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`Correspondence
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`Cl OwnerNarne
`Cl Addressl
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`Cl Zip Code
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`[I Citizenship
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`Cl Entity Statement
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`El Assignment(s)/Name Change
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`Cl Prior Registration
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`Cl Attorney
`CI Attorney Docket Number
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`[I Correspondence Firm Name/Address
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`El DBA/AKA/TA
`Cl Address2
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`Cl Entity
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`Cl Composed of
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`U Domestic Representative
`E—mail address
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`I certify that all corrections have been entered in accordance with text editing guidelines.
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`TANK/252 STON
`L I E
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`

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`AMENDMENT
`.
`FAGE
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`’
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`CHANGE
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`Cl PUBU
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`ON/‘REGISTRATION STAGE
`
`[ Loxg g7(
`73
`Serial No. 74 75
`L.O. no Dare?/g_/02
`;ne:_CURTIS NELLOMS
`STRUCTIONS: Place .1 check mar in te approprite coumn andor box 0 indicate which data elemnts have ben mend:/cied
`egal Instrument Examiner (LIE)
`'
`Amended
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`Cl Prime/InterntionalClass A
`_ [I First Use Date
`- Ci
`In Another Form
`
`S
`
`D
`
`Data Element
`F El Goods and Servics .
`D First Use in Commerce Date
`Cl Certification
`
`.isc.Iark Data
`
`action 2(f)
`
`>reign Reg. Data
`
`wner Data
`
`md/Corr Restr.
`rior U.S. Reg.
`orrespondence
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`i:|'Word Mark
`Cl Mark Drawing Code
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`Ci Scan Sub Drawing
`Cl Mark Description
`D Lining/Stippling
`
`.
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`A
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`S
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`I
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`Ci Pseudo Mark 1
`Ci Design Search Code
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`71 Disclamer
`Cl Name/Portrait/Consent
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`- El Section 2(f) Entire Marl:
`[1 Section 2(f) Limitation Statement
`' Cl Amended Register
`El Foreign Country
`Cl Foreign Application Number
`Cl Foreign Registration Number
`Cl Foreign Registration Expiration Date
`Cl Foreign Reg. Renewal Expiration Date
`[Cl OwnerNarne
`Cl Addressl
`
`Cl Section 2(t) in Part
`C] Amended Register Date
`Cl 44(d)
`Ci Foreign Application Filing Date
`U Foreign Registration Date
`Cl Foreign Renewal Reg. Number
`Cl Foreign Renewal Reg. Date
`Cl DBA/AKA/TA
`Cl Address2
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`El City
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`El State
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`El Zip Code
`B Citizenship
`Cl Entity Statement
`Cl Assignment(s)/Name Change
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`| El Concurrent Use
`Cl Prior Registration
`Attorney
`D
`El Attorney Docket Number
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`[3 Entity
`[:1 Composed of
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`Cl Domestic Representative
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`g
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`I
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`[3 Correspondence Firm Name/Address
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`

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`_ «N;
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`,
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`AUG I5 2533
`
`SERIAL No: 76/108871
`
`APPLICANT: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC CORPORATION OF AMERI ETC.
`
`CORRESPONDENT ADDRESS:
`
`.
`
`AMSTER, ROTI-ISTEIN & EBENSTEIN
`90 PARK AVENUE
`NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10016
`
`MARK:
`
`EASY MAIL
`
`CORRESPONDENT’S REFERENCE/DOCKET NO: N/A
`
`CORRESPONDENT EMAIL ADDRESS:
`N/A
`
`RETURN ADDRESS:
`
`Commissioner f<_>r Trademarks
`2900 CIW1 Drive
`A‘“"g*°“=VA m°2‘35‘3
`ecom110@uspto.gov
`
`Plea“ Pf°"id° in 3“ °°"°SP°nd°“°e=
`
`1. Filing date, serial number, mark and
`applicant's name.
`2. Date ofthis Office Action.
`3. Examining Attorney's name and
`Law Ofiice number.
`4. Your telephone number and e-mail
`address.
`
`OFFICE ACTION
`
`TO AVOID ABANDONMENT, WE MUST RECEIVE A PROPER RESPONSE TO THIS
`OFFICE ACTION WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF OUR MAILING OR E—MAILING DATE.
`
`RE: Serial Number 76/108871
`
`This application has been removed from Publication for the following reason:
`
`Upon fiirther review of the application, the following requirement is necessary. The examining
`attorney apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause the applicant.
`
`Disclaimer
`
`The applicant must insert a disclaimer of MAIL in the application. Trademark Act Section 6, 15
`U.S.C. §1056; TMEP §§l213 and 1213.08(a)(i). The wording is merely descriptive of the
`applicant’s goods/services because the purpose of the applicant’s goods is to MAIL pictures easily.
`
`A properly worded disclaimer should read as follows:
`
`No claim is made to the exclusive right to use MAIL apart from the mark as shown.
`
`See In re Owatonna Tool Co., 231 USPQ 493 (Comm'r Pats. 1983).
`
`

`
`PLEASE NOTE: All of the issues raised can be resolved by telephone. The applicant may
`telephone the examining attorney,
`instead of submitting a written response,
`to expedite the
`application.
`
`For Apglicant’s Information Only
`
`Current status and status date information is available, via push button telephone, for all federal
`trademark registration and application records maintained in the automated Trademark Reporting
`and Monitoring (TRAM) system. The information may be accessed by calling (703) 305-8747
`from 6:30 a.m. until midnight, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, and entering a seven-digit
`registration number or eight-digit application number, followed by the "#" symbol, after the
`welcoming message and tone. Callers may request information for up to five registration number
`or application number records per call.
`
`(703) 308-9110 x. 144
`Office:
`(703)746-8110
`Fax:
`ecoml 10@uspto. gov (FORMAL responses)
`susan.hayash@uspto.gov (INFORMAL responses)
`
`How to respond to this Office Action:
`
`To respond formally using the Office’s Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), visit
`http://www.usgto.gov/teas/index.html and follow the instructions.
`
`To respond formally via E-mail, visit http://www.uspto.gov/web/trademarks/tmelecresg.htm
`and follow the instructions.
`
`To respond formally via regular mail, your response should be sent to the mailing Return Address
`listed above and include the serial number, law office and examining attomey’s name on the upper
`right corner of each page of your response.
`
`To check the status of your application at any time, visit the Office’s Trademark Applications and
`Registrations Retrieval (TARR) system at httg://tarr.uspto.gov/
`
`For general and other useful information about trademarks, you are encouraged to visit the Off1ce’s
`web site at http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm
`
`FOR INQUIRIES OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS OFFICE ACTION, PLEASE CONTACT
`THE ASSIGNED EXAMINING ATTORNEY.
`
`

`
`D-.1:-.1 Element
`
`Primesint-ern;1tion;1l Class
`First Use Date
`
`.
`
`Goods and Services
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`C]
`I3 First Use in -ommer:e» use
`
`In Anotiier Form
`
`Certification
`
`lb
`,
`5 U Word W:1rk
`U L\vL1['i{ Drawing-Code
`Scan Sub Drawing
`
`Ci Pseudo .\r[;1r'<
`I: Design Search Code
`
`| El Foreign Application Number
`I" Cl Foreign Registration Number
`| C1 Foreign Registration Expiration Date
`| U Foreign Reg. Renewal Expiration Date
`I U Owner Name
`I U Address 1
`In City
`
`"V
`
`V
`
`Foreign Application Filing Date
`Foreign Registration Date
`Foreign Renewal Reg. Number
`Foreign Renewal Reg. Date
`DBAu’:—\K.—‘-t/T:-\
`Address 2
`E State
`
`'
`
`-
`
`Owner Data
`
`'
`
`.
`
`|
`i
`'
`
`

`
`El PUEYLICATION/REGISTRATION STAGE
`[3 NO CHANGE
`\wAMENDMENT STAGE
`SerialNo.
`"
`Name: ‘R1/me[[gray‘ L.O. 110 Date4/2O/02‘
`INSTRUCTIONS: Place acheck markiin.th appropriate column and/or box to indicate which data elementslhave been amiended/coderl_'.f i- ~15 " A‘
`Le a] Instrument Examin -
`'
`IE
`A
`'
`‘
`'
`V’
`'
`’ "
`A—%'-.l
`Class Data
`
`TRAHEMARK EXAMINATION WORKSFEET
`
`.
`
`“U3a‘%3E!215:3;-=_ Q99a
`El
`'
`'
`I: First Use Date 1
`
`R
`V 'ods and—_'Servi_ce_s
`El First Use in Commerce Date" ’
`
`" fi-
`
`Misc. Marlt Data
`
`_
`
`Section 2(1)
`'
`'
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`‘
`
`Reg. Data
`
`A
`
`a
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`‘3
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`Translation. _
`
`g
`
`V
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`Section 2(t) Entire Mark
`Section 2(1) Limitation Statement
`Amended Register
`
`Foreign Country
`
`Foreign ApplicationNumber
`
`Foreign Registration Number
`
`Foreign Registration Expiration Date
`
`Foreign Reg. Renewal Expiration Date
`
`Amd/Corr Restr.
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`[J OSo:5.E. 9(‘D
`
`El Entity
`
`El Composed of
`
`Dther:
`
`

`
`lllllllIllllIllll||||Hlf::l|l||||||ll|l||||
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT Ti
`
`04-O1-2002
`u.s.mmuMo1cnM mu ficptbt. m
`
`T
`
`Applicant
`
`-
`Serial No.
`
`'
`Mark
`
`:
`
`_
`.
`
`I
`
`:
`
`MATSUSHITA EL
`
`TRIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA
`
`’
`76/108,871
`
`August 14,
`
`EASY MAIL
`
`/
`
`“Express Mail" mailing label No.: ZJS__
`Date Of Damn
`I
`I H
`I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited
`with the United States Postal Service "Express Mail Post Office
`to Addressee’ service under 37 CFR 1.10 on the date
`indicated above and is addressed to the Oommissioner for
`Trademarks
`900 Cry
`I Drive, Arlington, VA 22202-3513.
`Name
`Signatu
`
`Trademark Examining
`Attorney
`:
`Susan C. Hayash
`
`Law Office
`
`:
`
`110
`
`rs!
`E433rs:
`
`E52::
`
`IL
`
`‘
`
`‘>
`
`5 J
`
`an)
`
`Commissioner for Trademarks
`
`2900 Crystal Drive
`Arlington, Virginia 22202-3513
`
`Madam:
`
`This is in response to the Office Action dated October 22, 2001.
`
`Kindly amend the description of goods to read:
`
`IMAGE TRANSFER FEATURE OF ADIGITAL CAMERA SOLD AS .
`AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF A DIGITAL CAMERA, IN
`INTERNATIONAL CLASS 9
`
`REMARKS
`
`Applicant has changed the descripfion of the goods in accordance with the
`
`Trademark Examiner’s helpful suggestion and provides the following additional responses. i
`
`169908.1
`
`

`
`Applicant’s Mark Is Suggestive
`Of The Goods Identified Thereby
`
`A mark is merely descriptive only if it immediately describes or conveys to one
`
`who is unfamiliar with the product its function or qualities. In re Hutchinson Technology,
`
`Iri, 852 F.2d 552, 555 (Fed. Cir. 1988);
`
`In re DC Comics Inc., 215 U.S.P.Q. 394, 396
`
`(C.C.P.A. 1982). In contrast, “[a] term is suggestive if it requires imagination, thought and
`
`perception to reach a conclusion as to the nature of the services.” Abercrombie 8: Fitch Co.
`
`V. Hunting World, Inc., 537 F.2d 4, 11 (2d Cir. 1976), (quoting Stix Products Inc. v.
`
`United Merchants and Manufacturers, 295 F. Supp. 479, 488 (S.D.N.Y. 1968)). E alio
`
`French Transit, Ltd. v. Modern Coupon Systems, Inc., 818 F. Supp. 635, 637 (S.D.N.Y.
`
`1 993) (LE CRYSTAL NATUREL not descriptive of plaintiffs body deodorant, since, “although
`
`there is evidence in the record that the word ‘crystal’ is used in other body deodorant
`
`products ...the average consumer who has never heard of plaintiffs product would have to
`
`use his or her imagination to determine that LE CRYSTAL NATUREL is a body deodorant”).
`
`Applicant’s EASY MAIL mark does not “forthwith convey an immediate idea”
`
`of an image transfer feature of a digital camera sold as an integral component of a digital
`
`camera. Rather, the EASY MAIL mark clearly requires the consumer to expend imagination
`
`in order to reach any conclusion about the nature of the goods. In Public Serv. Co of New
`
`Mexico v. Nexus Energy Software Inc., 50 U.S.P.Q.2d 1317, 1319 (D. Mass. 1999), the
`
`Court held that Plaintiffs mark “Energy Place” as used in connection with a web site which
`
`provided various energy-related services such as (1) information regarding the most efficient
`
`and cost—effective use of energy resources; (2) energy audits; and (3) energy consulting
`
`169908.]
`
`-2-
`
`

`
`services was not descriptive. The Court found that “[a]lthough the term “Energy Place”
`
`suggests that it is a place related to energy, it does not convey an immediate idea of the
`
`ingredients, qualities, or characteristics of the services [Plaintiff] offers.”
`
`Similarly, In re TMS Corporation of the Americas, 200 U.S.P.Q. 57 (T.T.A.B.
`
`1978), the Board explained that while the mark "THE MONEY SERVICE” is suggestive of
`
`financial services in which funds are transferred between savings accounts and other
`
`accounts, consumers would not envision that specific financial service when encountering
`
`the mark, and therefore, the mark was not descriptive. S_ee E Bellsouth Corp. v. Planum
`
`Technology Corp, 14 U.S.P.Q. 2d 1555, 1556 (T.T.A.B, 1988) (PHONE FORWARD mark
`
`not descriptive as applied to automatic telephone call diverters which redirect incoming calls
`
`to a remote telephone number since the meaning conveyed by applicant’s mark “is not
`
`immediate and direct”); Physician Formula Cosmetics Inc. v. West Cabot Cosmetics Inc., 8
`
`U.S.P.Q.2d 1136, 1137-38 (2d Cir. 1988) (mark PHYSICIAN’S FORMULA as applied to
`
`hypoallergenic skin care and cosmetic products was not descriptive, since “the mark does
`
`little to identify the product other than to locate it in the realm of medicine”); Pacific Int’l
`
`Rice Mills Inc. V. Rice Growers Assoc. of California, 14 U.S.P.Q.2d 1659 (ED. Cal. 1989)
`
`(CAL HARVEST as applied to premium quality long grain rice not descriptive since the mark
`
`“does not bring up immediate associations of rice grown in or harvested from California
`
`fields).
`
`Inthe instant case, as in Public Serv. Co. ofNew Mexico, 50 U.S.P.Q.2d 1317 at 1319
`
`and In re TMS Corporation of the Americas, 200 U.S.P.Q. 57, Applicant’s EASY MAIL mark
`
`1699081
`
`

`
`does not convey an immediate idea of an image transfer feature of a digital still camera, and
`
`thus, the mark is not merely descriptive.
`
`1.
`
`Competitors Do Not Need To Use The
`Phrase EASY MAIL In Order To Compete
`Effectively In The Market For Digital Still Cameras
`
`The fact that competitors do not need to use the phrase EASY MAIL in order to
`
`describe an image transfer feature of a digital still camera weighs against a finding that the
`
`mark is merely descriptive. See Public Serv. Co. of New Mexico, 50 U.S.P.Q.2d 1317, 1319
`
`(D. Mass. 1999)(ENERGY PLACE mark held not-merely descriptive in part because
`
`“competitors are left with a Variety of terms to describe their competing services, one
`
`example being ‘ENERGY INFORMATION SERVICES”); Bellsouth Corp. V. Planum
`
`Technology Corp, 14 U.S.P.Q.2d 1555, 1556 (T.T.A.B. 1988)(PHONE FORWARD in
`
`connection with automatic telephone call diverter not descriptive in part because there was
`
`no evidence of competitor’s need to use these words).
`
`The fact that there is no evidence of others using the phrase EASY MAIL in
`
`connection with an image transfer feature of a digital still cameras further bolsters the
`
`conclusion that Applicant’s Mark is not merely descriptive. See In re Wells Fargo 8: Co.,
`
`231 U.S.P.Q. 116 (T.T.A.B. 1986) (holding that “the absence from this record of evidence
`
`of any descriptive use of the term EXPRESS SAVINGS by others in the field of banking
`
`reinforces our View that the Examining Attorney’s mere descriptiveness holding is in error”);
`
`Concurrent Technologies Inc. V. Concurrent Technologies Cor__p., 12 U.S.P.Q.2d 1054
`
`(T .T.A.B. 1989) (holding that “while th[e] term [CONCURRENT] standing alone has a
`
`1699U3.1
`
`

`
`meaning in the computer field, the record is completely devoid of evidence of any
`
`descriptive use of or any meaning for CONCURRENT TECHNOLOGIES in the trade”).
`
`2.
`
`Applicanfs Mark Should Be Considered As A Whole
`
`Even if the components of a mark can be considered as ordinary words and
`
`descriptive, it does not follow that the composite mark is unregistrable, since the critical
`
`question is whether a trademark or service mark in its entirety is descriptive to prospective
`
`customers. SE, Assoc. of Co-Operative Members, Inc. v. Farmland Indus., 684 F.2d 1 134,
`
`1140 (5th Cir. 1982) (“the whole, in trademark law, is often greater than the sum of its
`
`parts” and thus a mark should be considered in its entirety); Firestone Tire & Rubber
`
`Company v. The Goodyear Tire 8: Rubber Co., 186 U.S.P.Q. 557 (holding that “although
`
`the term BIAS and that the term STEEL are descriptive designations used to denote
`
`characteristics of tire construction...it does not follow...that because the components of a
`
`compound mark are descriptive, that the mark in its entirety is descriptive”).
`
`Likewise, Applica.nt’s mark may consist of elements which, considered separately,
`
`could give rise to a finding of descriptiveness. However, analysis of the whole mark, as is
`
`proper, leads to the conclusion that the EASY MAIL mark is merely suggestive once it is
`
`understood that it is intended to serve as an origin indicator for an image transfer feature
`
`of a digital camera.
`
`1699U8.1
`
`

`
`Any Doubts As To Proper Characterization
`Should Be Resolved In Favor Of Applicant
`
`Under established precedent, any doubt as to whether a mark is suggestive or
`
`merely descriptive should be resolved in favor of Applicant. The rationale for this rule is
`
`simple: since there is only a thin line of demarcation between a suggestive mark and a
`
`descriptive mark, any such characterization of a mark is inherently subjective. Doubt is also
`
`resolved in an applicant’s favor since, as the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board explained
`
`in In re Stroh Brewegg Co., 34 U.S.P.Q.2d 1 796 (T.T.A.B. 1994), “a competitor of applicant
`
`can come forth and initiate an opposition proceeding [based on the descriptiveness of the
`
`mark, and in such a proceeding] a more complete record can be established.” Li. (citations
`
`omitted).
`
`Since Applicant’s mark can be classified as suggestive, rather than descriptive,
`
`any doubts as to its appropriate characterization should be resolved in favor of Applicant.
`
`Hence, in accordance with well established precedent, Applicant respectfully urges the
`
`Trademark Examining Attorney to resolve any doubt as to the mark’s proper classification
`
`in favor of Applicant and find that the mark is suggestive.
`
`1699O8.1
`
`

`
`CONCLUSION
`
`For the foregoing reasons, Applicant respectfully requests that the Trademark
`
`Examining Attorney withdraw the refusal to register on the grounds of descriptiveness and
`
`pass the mark to publication.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`AMSTER, ROTHSTEIN 8: EBENSTEIN
`Attorneys for Applicant
`90 Park Avenue
`
`New York, New York 10016
`(212) 697-59
`
`Dated: New York, New York
`April 1, 2002
`
`By:
`
`Morton Amster
`Holly Pekowsky
`
`' 169908.1
`
`

`
`=::i:a:ion
`
`.'-‘xnomey Doc!-<e:.\fumber
`
`\
`
`Ic"..
`“‘
`
`.-
`
`V
`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`(‘(7 _
`
`I
`
`Ii 14 5i 2: §I i.
`
`

`
`.AM5T—EE DQTHSTEIN 8: EBENSTEIN
`)RNEYS AT LAW
`llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllIlllllllllllllllll
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`HOLLY PEKOWSKY
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`MARION P. METELsKI*
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`
`1 2-1 8-2001
`U5, paunz an TMOfcITM Mall Rent at. #22
`TELEPHONE: (2I2) 697-5995
`FACSIMILE: (ate) 286-0854
`
`IRADEMARKS - COPYRIGHTS
`PARK AVENUE
`IK, NEW YORK IOOIS
`
`“It?
`
`SCOTT MCCLAVE
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`*NO'I' ADMITTED IN NEW YORK
`
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`SENIOR COUNSEL
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`"OF COUNSEL
`JERRY DAINOW
`
`December 18, 2001
`
`Commissioner for Trademarks
`
`2900 Crystal Drive
`Arlington, Virginia 22202-3513
`
`Re:
`
`(\I
`3
`ck;
`
`Applicant: Matsushita Electric Corporation
`.
`of America
`76/108,871
`EASY
`55210 394
`
`Serial No.:
`Mark:
`Our File:
`
`Enclosed herewith please find:
`
`(1)
`
`(25
`
`an Amendment To Allege Use Under 37 C.F.R. 2.76,
`Declaration for the trademark EASY MAIL; and
`
`C?
`Wlth N
`
`Specimen of Use (an original operating instruction booklet).
`
`Also enclosed is a check in the amount of $100.00 to cover the cost of
`
`l80841.1
`
`

`
`Commissioner of Patents
`and Trademarks
`
`December 18, 2001
`
`If any further fee is required in this matter, kindly charge the same to
`Deposit Account No. 01-1785. A copy of this letter is enclosed.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`AMSTER, ROTHSTEIN 8: EBENSTEIN
`Attorneys for Applicant
`
`qlaass M
`Holly Pekol/vskyb/K7
`
`HP/jw
`Encls.
`
`cc: Morton Amster, Esq.
`
`180841.1
`
`

`
`IIII\|IIIIllII|II\II|lIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII"I
`
`1 2-1 8-2001
`ofcITM Mull Rep: 01- ‘*2?
`U,s,Pa1nn! & TM
`
`MORTON AMSTER
`JESSE ROTHSTEIN (RETIRED)
`DANIEL S. EBENSTEIN
`PHILIP H. GOTTFRIED
`MICHAEL J. BERGER
`NEIL M. ZIPKIN
`ANTHONY F. LO CICERO
`KENNETH P. GEORGE
`ABRAHAM KASDAN, PH.D.
`IRA E. SILFIN
`CHESTER ROTHSTEIN
`CRAIG J. ARNOLD
`SENIOR COUNSEL
`CHARLES R. MACEDO
`MARK J. ROSENBERG
`KENNETH M. BERNSTEIN
`OF COUNSEL
`JERRY DAINOW
`
`QOTHSTEIN & EBENSTEIN
`ATTORN EYS AT LAW
`NEAL L. ROSENBERG
`DENISE A. LINDENAUER
`PATENTS - TRADEMARKS - copvmsnrs
`NANCY M. DODDERIDGE
`PATRICK aoLAm:>*
`‘mason LLOYD
`JOSEPH M. CASINO
`JOHN S. ECONOMOU
`MICHAEL V. SOLDMITA
`HOLLY PEKOWSKY
`MICHAEL P. KENNEY
`MARION F. Man-:LsK|*
`MONIQUE L. RIBANDO
`
`90 PARK AVENUE
`NEW YORK, NEW YORK Iools
`
`TELEPHONE: (2I2) 697-5995
`I-‘ACSIMILE: (212) 286-0854
`
`sco-r-r McCLAVE
`LISA MELANSON
`MAX VERN
`DANA R. METES
`KARL J. KOLBINGER
`BRIAN A. COMACK
`men-man s. MANDARO
`NATALIE BOGDANOS
`MARC J. JASON
`ELIE H. GENDLOFF, Pn.D"
`‘NOT ADMITTED IN NEW YORK
`
`December 18, 2001
`
`Commissioner for Trademarks
`
`2900 Crystal Drive
`Arlington, Virginia 22202-3513
`
`Re:
`
`Applicant:
`
`Matsushita Electric Corporation
`of America
`
`Serial No.:
`Mark:
`
`76/108,871
`EASY MAIL
`
`Our File:
`
`552101394
`
`Enclosed herewith please find:
`
`(1)
`
`an Amendment To Allege Use Under 37 C.F.R. 2.76, With
`Declaration for the trademark EASY MAIL; and
`
`(2)
`
`Specimen of Use (an original operating instruction booklet).
`
`Also enclosed is a check in the amount of $100.00 to cover the cost of
`
`1808411
`
`

`
`Commissioner of Patents
`and Trademarks
`
`December 18, 2001
`
`If any further fee is required in this matter, kindly charge the same to
`Deposit Account No. 01-1785. A copy of this letter is enclosed.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`AMSTER, ROTHSTEIN 8: EBENSTEIN
`
`Attorneys for Applicant
`
`MW)
`
`Holly Pekowsky
`
`HP/jw
`Encls.
`
`cc: Morton Arnster, Esq.
`
`180841. 1
`
`

`
`_
`
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`
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`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Applicant
`
`Serial No‘
`
`.
`Flled
`
`Mark
`
`:
`
`:
`
`_
`-
`
`:
`
`Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
`
`08’
`
`August 14:
`
`EASY MAIL
`
`“Express Mail" mailing label No.2 _EI.._6A_7_L7_03A9.US_j
`Date ofDeposit
`I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with
`the United States Postal Service “Express Mail Post Office to
`Addressee” service under 37 CFR 1.10 on the date indicated
`above and is addressedto the Commissioner forTrademarks, 2900
`Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202-3513.
`Name
`.
`.
`
`AMENDMENT TO ALLEGE USE UNDER
`37 C.F.R. 2.76 WITH DECLARATION.
`
`BOX ITU FEE
`
`Commissioner for Trademarks -
`
`2900 Crystal Drive
`Arlington, Virginia 22202-3513
`
`Madam:
`
`Applicant requests registration of the above-identified mark in the U.S.
`
`Patent and Trademark Office on the Principal Register established by the Act of July 5,
`
`1946, 15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq., as amended. A specimen showing the mark as used in
`
`commerce is submitted with this Amendment.
`
`Applicant is using the mark in commerce in connection with the following
`
`Image transfer feature of a digital camera sold as an integral
`component of a digital camera.
`
`-':4F:*'.‘:1 FSEITE
`
`00000102 76163871
`
`100.60 E?‘
`
`18343-5.1
`
`

`
`The mark was first used on October 19, 2000, was first used in commerce
`
`/ on October 19, 2000; and is now in use in such commerce. A specimen showing the
`
`mark as used in commerce is submitted with this Amendment.
`
`Stephen C. Weingarten, being hereby warned that willful false statements
`
`and the like so made are punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, under Section
`
`1001 of Title 18 of the United States Code and that such willful false statements may
`
`jeopardize the validity of the application or any registration resulting therefrom, states
`
`that he is Assistant Secretary of applicant corporation and is properly authorized to
`
`execute this Amendment on behalf of said corporation; that he believes said corporation
`
`to be the owner of the mark sought to be registered; that the mark is now in use in
`
`commerce; and that all statements made herein of his own knowledge are true and that
`
`all statements made on information and belief are believed to be true.
`
`MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC
`CORPORATION OF AMERICA
`
`ephen C. Weingarten
`Assistant Secretary
`
`1834351
`
`

`
`SERIAL NO.
`'I"=&'=.:’1IZIfE<iEt'.:'i
`MARK
`
`L APPLICANT
`zv:aTsz»:LI:-3H;r.m E'§...EC:'TF:Ii::
`
`EQEY MQIL .
`ADDRESS
`;i‘;fr1!33‘T§§§;F:,,
`'
`.
`:“¥';12.fx*t~i
`
`F-,'z:rTH:-j§;"f’E-_‘ I M 55; E§BEN}3 TE 1 5,;
`r:wEr~.s:,:s£
`
`N we
`
`v«:c:==:i::, NEL4
`
`":’!1'Il~”-:i=:I
`
`1 :3:3: 1 :2.
`
`FORM PTO-1525 (5-90)
`
`u.s. DEPT. or comm. PAT. .2. TM omce
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`:IfE2EfF'tI:fi'F3iTI:3r4 13;:
`
`;'§§VlE:FCIE:T‘l
`
`PAPER NO‘
`
`ACTION NO.
`£5 2
`
`MA.L.1N£i I
`
`ADDRESS
`Commissioner for Trademarks
`_2900 Crystal Drive
`
`A’1mfi';;_:;;f::3§'3513
`
`Ifno fees are enclosed, the address should include the
`words "Box Responses - No Fee‘ "
`
`Please rovide in all correspondence:
`P
`1. Filing Date, serial number, mark and
`Applicant's name.
`2. Mailing date ofthis Oflice action.
`3 . Examining Attorney's name and
`Law Office number.
`4. Your telephone number and ZIP code.
`
`A PROPER RESPONSE TO THIS OFFICE ACTION MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 6
`MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THIS ACTION IN ORDER TO AVOID ABANDONMENT.
`For your convenience and to ensure proper handling ofyour response, a label has been enclosed.
`Please attach it to the upper right corner ofyour response. Ifthe label is not enclosed, print or type
`the Trademark Law Oftzce No., Serial No., andMark in the upper right corner ofyour response.
`
`2ND NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION
`
`RE: Serial Number: 76/108871
`
`EASY MAIL
`
`in which the
`This letter responds to the applicant's communication filed on August 9, 2001,
`applicant argued against the refusal to register the mark under Section 2(e)(l) of the Trademark '
`Act.
`
`The examining attorney maintains and continues her refiisal to register the mark and adds the
`following NEW requirement:
`
`Identification of Goods — Unacceptable
`
`The identification of goods is unacceptable as indefinite because portions of it are too broad. The
`applicant may adopt the following identification, if accurate (suggested addition in bold):
`
`Class 009:
`
`“Image transfer feature of a camcorder and digital camera sold as an
`integral component of a camcorder and digital camera.”
`
`TMEP section 804.
`
`

`
`76/108871
`
`-2-
`
`Please note that, while an application may be amended to clarify or limit the identification,
`additions to the identification are not permitted. 37 C.F.R. Section 2.71(b); TMEP section 804.09.
`Therefore, the applicant may not amend to include any goods that are not within the scope of goods
`set forth in the present identification.
`
`the “Acceptable Identifications of Goods and Services
`For your assistance and convenience,
`Manua” may be searched at
`the Office’s global network computer website address of
`http://wwwuspto.gov/web/menu/tm.html.
`
`For Applicant’s Information Only
`
`Current status and status date information isavailable, via push button telephone, for all federal
`trademark registration and application records maintained in the automated Trademark Reporting
`and Monitoring (TRAM) system. The information may be accessed by calling (703) 305-8747
`.from 6:30 a.m. until midnight, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, and entering a seven-digit
`registration number or eight-digit application number, followed by the "#" symbol, after the
`welcoming message and tone. Callers may request information for up to five registration number
`or application number records per call.
`
`Ifthe applicant has any questions or needs assistance in responding to this Office action, please
`telephone the assigned examining attorney.
`
`usan C. Haya
`Trademark Exa
`Law Office 11
`
`ning Attorney
`
`(703)308-9110 x. 144
`
`

`
`TRADEMARK EXAMINATION WORKSHEET
`
`Cl PUBLICATION/REGISTRATION‘STAGE
`— Zl<O CHANGE
`'
`filvll-ZNDIVIENT STAGE
`Name: Amphone Mary Sananikone L.O. _1l1_
`Date___9 / 26/ 01
`Serial N075;
`Z71
`
`INSTRUCTIONS: Place a check mark in the appropriate column and/or box to indicate which data elements have been amended/coded.
`
`Leal Instrument Examiner LIE
`Amended
`
`Data Element
`
`Class Data
`
`El Prime/International Class
`
`El Goods and Services
`
`Cl First Use Date
`
`Cl
`
`El
`
`In Another Form
`
`lb
`
`El First Use in Commerce Date
`
`El Certification
`
`Mark Data
`
`Cl Word Mark
`
`all Pseudo Mark
`
`El Mark Drawing Code
`
`Cl Design Search Code
`
`‘
`
`Misc. Mark Data
`
`Section 2(1)
`
`Foreign Reg. Data
`
`Owner Data
`
`Amd/Co rr Restr.
`
`Prior U.S. Reg.
`
`El Scan Sub Drawing
`Cl Mark Description
`El Lining/Stippling
`El Translation
`
`CI Disclaimer
`El Name/Portrait/Consent
`
`El Section 2(f) Entire Mark
`C! Section 2(f) Limitation Statement
`
`Cl Amended Register
`
`E! Section 2(f) in Part
`
`Cl Amended Register Date
`
`U Foreign Country
`El Foreign Application Number
`
`El 44(d)
`El Foreign Application FilingpDate
`
`’
`I3 Foreign Registration»Nuin}:er
`Cl Foreign Registration Expiration Date
`
`El Foreign Registration Date
`El Foreign Renewal Reg. Number
`
`El Foreign Reg. Renewal Expiration Date
`
`Cl Foreign Renewal Reg. Date
`
`Cl Owner Name
`
`Cl Addressl
`El 9~27
`
`El Zip Code
`Cl Citizenship
`
`El Entity Statement
`
`El Assignment(s)/Name Change
`
`U Concurrent Use
`
`El Prior Registration
`
`C] DBA/AKA/TA
`
`7
`
`El Address2 '
`El State
`
`El Entity
`
`E! Composed of
`
`Correspondence
`
`E! Attorney
`El Attorney Docket Number
`_ El Correspondence Firm Name/Address
`I certify that all corrections have been entered in accordance with text editing guidelines.
`
`El Domestic Representative
`
`_AMS_T___
`LIE
`
`_ 9 / 26 / 01__
`DATE
`
`Other:
`
`

`
`IN THE UNITED ST;/tT::si>“A‘I'ENT AND TR‘ADEEMARWA
`
`OFFICOIEE
`
`Applicant
`
`Serial N0.
`
`Mark
`
`Examining
`
`Attorney
`
`Law Office
`
`2
`
`2
`
`:
`
`.
`
`:
`
`:
`
`MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA
`
`76/108,871
`
`14,
`
`EASY MAIL
`
`Susan C. Hayash
`
`1 10
`
`“Expos Mail”maili.nglabelNo.: E1.s4zu:xao5_11s___:
`Date ofDeposit:wgm
`I hereby
`lhat this paper or fee is being deposited with
`Addresses" service under 37 CFR 1.10 on the date indicated
`the United States Postal Service “Express Mail Post Office to
`above and is addressed to the Commissioner for Trademarks, 2900
`Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202-3513.
`Name: MBE . n
`Signature:
`
`i
`
`9
`
`RESPONSE TO OFFICE ACTION DATED FEBRUARY 23 2001
`
`Commissioner for Trademarks
`2900 Crystal Drive
`Arlington, Virginia 22202-3513
`
`A Madam:
`
`A
`II III! ||||l||||| |||ll||l|||N|||||l||||llllllll
`I
`I
`I
`o8_°9_2oo1
`U.S. Pawn! & TMOTCITM Mall Rent D1. 979
`
`This is in response to the Office Action dated February 23, 2001.
`
`REMARKS
`
`Applicant acknowledges with thanks the report on the search of the Office
`'55’
`records and responds as follows to the rejection on the grounds of desqipéggenesbs?
`.0 £35,
`T7’?
`~
`
`Applicant’s Mark Is Suggestive
`Of the Goods Identified Thereby
`
`.
`
`Em
`
`U
`A mark is merely descriptive only ifit immediately describesla conveys tqfc‘;‘11e
`Q
`C)
`who is unfamiliar with the product its function or qualities. In re: Hutchinson Tberchnology,
`
`169908.1
`
`

`
`I_n_c., 852 F.2d 552, 555 (Fed. Cir. 1988);
`
`In re: DC Comics Inc., 215 U.S.P.Q. 394, 396
`
`(C.C.P.A. 1982). In contrast, “[a] term is suggestive ifit requires imagination, thought and
`
`perception to reach a conclusion as to the nature of the services.” Abercrombie 8: Fitch Co.
`
`V. Hunting World, Inc., 537 F.2d 4, 11 (2d Cir. 1976), (quoting Stix Products Inc. V.
`
`United Merchants and Manufacturers, 295 F. Supp. 479, 488 (S.D.N.Y. 1968)). SE fig
`
`French Transit, Ltd. v. Modem Coupon Systems, Inc., 818 F. Supp. 635, 637 (S.D.N.Y.
`
`1993) (LE CRYSTAL NATUREL not descriptive of plaintiffs body deodorant, since, “although
`
`there is evidence in the record that the Word ‘crystal’ is used in other body deodorant
`
`products ...the average consumer who has never heard of plaintiffs product would have to
`
`use his or her imagination to determine that LE CRYSTAL NATUREL is a body deodorant”) .
`
`App1icant’s EASY MAIL Mark does not “forthwith convey an immediate idea”
`
`of an image transfer feature of a camcorder and digital camera. Rather, the EASY MAIL
`
`Mark clearly requires the consumer to expend imagination in order to reach any conclusion
`
`about the nature of the goods.
`
`In the instant case, Applicant’s EASY MAIL mark could be construed as
`
`suggesting any number of goods and is therefore suggestive. In In re Warner Electric Brake
`
`8: Clutch Co., 154 U.S.P.Q. 328 (T.T.A.B. 1967), the TrademarkTrial and Appeal Board held
`
`that a mark which does not describe the nature, character, function or use of the goods with
`
`any deg