To:
`
`Subject:
`
`Sent:
`
`Sent As:
`
`Panasonic Corporation of North America (ptodocket@arelaw.com)
`
`U.S. TRADEMARK APPLICATION NO. 77760905 - SELECT MAIL - 55210/661
`
`9/18/09 10:54:06 AM
`
`ECOM114@USPTO.GOV
`
`Attachments:
`
`Attachment - 1
`Attachment - 2
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`77/760905
`
`*77760905*
`
`RESPOND TO THIS ACTION:
`http://www.uspto.gov/teas/eTEASpageD.htm
`
`(cid:160)G
`
`ENERAL TRADEMARK INFORMATION:
`http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) CORRESPONDENT ADDRESS:
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`MORTON AMSTER(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`AMSTER ROTHSTEIN & EBENSTEIN LLP(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`90 PARK AVENUE
`NEW YORK, NY 10016
`
`(cid:160) (cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) SERIAL NO:(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) MARK: SELECT MAIL(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) (cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160) (cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) APPLICANT:(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`America(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) (cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) CORRESPONDENT’S REFERENCE/DOCKET NO :(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`55210/661(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) CORRESPONDENT E-MAIL ADDRESS:(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`(cid:160) Panasonic Corporation of North
`
`ptodocket@arelaw.com
`
`OFFICE ACTION
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`O AVOID ABANDONMENT, THE OFFICE MUST RECEIVE A PROPER RESPONSE TO THIS OFFICE ACTION WITHIN 6 MONTHS
`OF THE ISSUE/MAILING DATE.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`SSUE/MAILING DATE: 9/18/2009
`
`The referenced application has been reviewed by the assigned trademark examining attorney.(cid:160) Applicant must respond timely and completely to
`the issue(s) below.(cid:160) 15 U.S.C. §1062(b); 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(a), 2.65(a); TMEP §§711, 718.03.
`
`(cid:160)S
`
`earch Results
`
`The trademark examining attorney has searched the Office’s database of registered and pending marks and has found no conflicting marks that
`would bar registration under Trademark Act Section 2(d).(cid:160) TMEP §704.02; see 15 U.S.C. §1052(d).
`
`Section 2(e)(1) Refusal:(cid:160) Descriptiveness
`
`(cid:160)R
`
`egistration is refused because the applied-for mark merely describes the function of applicant’s goods and/or services. (cid:160) Trademark Act Section
`2(e)(1), 15 U.S.C. §1052(e)(1); see TMEP §§1209.01(b), 1209.03 et seq.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he proposed mark is SELECT MAIL for use in connection with a “feature of an answering machine including a screen to display details
`concerning voicemail messages on the screen.”
`
`(cid:160)A
`
` mark is merely descriptive if it describes an ingredient, quality, characteristic, function, feature, purpose or use of the specified goods and/or
`services.(cid:160) TMEP §1209.01(b); see In re Steelbuilding.com, 415 F.3d 1293, 1297, 75 USPQ2d 1420, 1421 (Fed. Cir. 2005); In re Gyulay, 820
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`

`
`F.2d 1216, 1217-18, 3 USPQ2d 1009, 1010 (Fed. Cir. 1987).(cid:160) Moreover, a mark that identifies a group of users to whom an applicant directs its
`goods and/or services is also merely descriptive.(cid:160) TMEP §1209.03(i); see In re Planalytics, Inc., 70 USPQ2d 1453, 1454 (TTAB 2004).
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he determination of whether a mark is merely descriptive is considered in relation to the identified goods and/or services, not in the abstract.(cid:160)
`In re Abcor Dev. Corp., 588 F.2d 811, 814, 200 USPQ 215, 218 (C.C.P.A. 1978); TMEP §1209.01(b); see, e.g., In re Polo Int’l Inc. , 51 USPQ2d
`1061 (TTAB 1999) (finding DOC in DOC-CONTROL would be understood to refer to the “documents” managed by applicant’s software, not
`“doctor” as shown in dictionary definition); In re Digital Research Inc., 4 USPQ2d 1242 (TTAB 1987) (finding CONCURRENT PC-DOS
`merely descriptive of “computer programs recorded on disk” where relevant trade used the denomination “concurrent” as a descriptor of a
`particular type of operating system).(cid:160) “Whether consumers could guess what the product is from consideration of the mark alone is not the test.” (cid:160)
`In re Am. Greetings Corp., 226 USPQ 365, 366 (TTAB 1985).
`
`(cid:160)H
`
`ere, the mark SELECT MAIL describes the function of applicant’s goods, which is a particular feature of an answering machine that users can
`choose to see their ‘mail’ on a screen rather than hear the message, which was the only option in older answering machines.
`(cid:160) Users, then, can
`choose the manner in which they receive their voicemail.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he relevant definition of ‘select’ is “to choose (as by fitness or excellence) from a number or group : pick out.” See attached dictionary
`definition.(cid:160) (cid:160) The wording SELECT MAIL is descriptive of applicant’s goods because users are choosing the function of their answering machine
`that selects the type of mail they use to receive their messages, email-type on a screen versus audio voicemail.
`
`(cid:160)W
`
`ords or terms that describe the function or purpose of a product or service may be merely descriptive or generic.(cid:160) TMEP §1209.03(p); see In re
`Gould Paper Corp., 834 F.2d 1017, 5 USPQ2d 1110 (Fed. Cir. 1987) (holding SCREENWIPE generic for an anti-static cloth used for cleaning
`computer and television screens); In re Cent. Sprinkler Co., 49 USPQ2d 1194 (TTAB 1998) (holding ATTIC generic for sprinklers installed
`primarily in attics); In re Reckitt & Colman, N. Am. Inc., 18 USPQ2d 1389 (TTAB 1991) (holding PERMA PRESS generic for soil and stain
`removers for use on permanent press products).
`
`(cid:160)“
`
`(cid:160) In re
`A mark may be merely descriptive even if it does not describe the ‘full scope and extent’ of the applicant’s goods or services.”
`Oppedahl & Larson LLP, 373 F.3d 1171, 1173, 71 USPQ2d 1370, 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (citing In re Dial-A-Mattress Operating Corp., 240
`F.3d 1341, 1346, 57 USPQ2d 1807, 1812 (Fed. Cir. 2001)); TMEP §1209.01(b).(cid:160) It is enough if the term describes only one significant function,
`attribute or property.(cid:160) In re Oppedahl, 373 F.3d at 1173, 71 USPQ2d at 1371; TMEP §1209.01(b).
`
`(cid:160)A
`
` term is merely descriptive if it conveys an immediate idea of the ingredients, qualities, or characteristics of the identified goods and/or
`services.(cid:160) See In re Steelbuilding.com, 415 F.3d 1293, 1297, 75 USPQ2d 1420, 1422 (Fed. Cir. 2005); In re Dial-A-Mattress Operating Corp.,
`240 F.3d 1341, 1346, 57 USPQ2d 1807, 1812 (Fed. Cir. 2001).
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he registrability of a mark created by combining only descriptive words depends on whether a new and different commercial impression is
`created, and/or the mark created imparts an incongruous meaning as used in connection with the goods and/or services.(cid:160) TMEP §1209.03(d);
`e.g., In re Copytele, Inc., 31 USPQ2d 1540, 1542 (TTAB 1994); In re Associated Theatre Clubs, 9 USPQ2d at 1662.(cid:160) Where, as in this case, the
`combination of the descriptive words creates no incongruity, and no imagination is required to understand the nature of the goods and/or services,
`the mark is merely descriptive.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
` mark that combines descriptive words is generally not registrable unless the composite creates a unitary mark with a unique, non-descriptive
`meaning or commercial impression.(cid:160) See In re Tower Tech, Inc., 64 USPQ2d 1314 (TTAB 2002) (holding SMARTTOWER merely descriptive
`of “commercial and industrial cooling towers and accessories therefor, sold as a unit”); In re Sun Microsystems, Inc., 59 USPQ2d 1084 (TTAB
`2001) (holding AGENTBEANS merely descriptive of “computer software for use in the development and deployment of application programs
`on a global computer network”); In re Shiva Corp., 48 USPQ2d 1957 (TTAB 1998) (holding TARIFF MANAGEMENT merely descriptive for
`“computer hardware and computer programs to control, reduce and render more efficient wide area network (WAN) usage and printed user
`manuals sold therewith”); In re Putnam Publ’g Co. , 39 USPQ2d 2021 (TTAB 1996) (holding FOOD & BEVERAGE ON-LINE merely
`descriptive of “a news and information service updated daily for the food processing industry, contained in a database”); In re Copytele, Inc., 31
`USPQ2d 1540 (TTAB 1994) (holding SCREEN FAX PHONE merely descriptive of “facsimile terminals employing electrophoretic displays”);
`TMEP §1209.03(d).
`
`(cid:160)S
`
`ee, e.g., In re Tower Tech, Inc., 64 USPQ2d 1314 (TTAB 2002) (holding SMARTTOWER merely descriptive of “commercial and industrial
`cooling towers and accessories therefor, sold as a unit”); In re Sun Microsystems, Inc., 59 USPQ2d 1084 (TTAB 2001) (holding AGENTBEANS
`merely descriptive of “computer software for use in development and deployment of application programs on a global computer network”); In
`re Putman Publ’g Co. , 39 USPQ2d 2021 (TTAB 1996) (holding FOOD & BEVERAGE ON-LINE merely descriptive of news and information
`service for the food processing industry); In re Copytele, Inc., 31 USPQ2d 1540 (TTAB 1994) (holding SCREEN FAX PHONE merely
`descriptive of facsimile terminals employing electrophoretic displays); In re Entenmann’s, Inc. , 15 USPQ2d 1750 (TTAB 1990) (holding
`OATNUT merely descriptive of bread containing oats and hazelnuts), aff’d per curiam , 928 F.2d 411 (Fed. Cir. 1991).
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`wo major reasons for not protecting descriptive marks are (1) to prevent the owner of a descriptive mark from inhibiting competition in the
`marketplace and (2) to avoid the possibility of costly infringement suits brought by the trademark or service mark owner.(cid:160) In re Abcor Dev.
`
`

`
`Corp., 588 F.2d 811, 813, 200 USPQ 215, 217 (C.C.P.A. 1978); TMEP §1209.(cid:160) Businesses and competitors should be free to use descriptive
`language when describing their own goods and/or services to the public in advertising and marketing materials.(cid:160) See In re Styleclick.com Inc., 58
`USPQ2d 1523, 1527 (TTAB 2001).
`
`Conclusion
`
`(cid:160)F
`
`or the reasons set forth above, the proposed mark is merely descriptive of applicant’s goods. (cid:160) According, registration is refused pursuant to
`Trademark Act Section 2(e)(1).
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`lthough applicant’s mark has been refused registration, applicant may respond to the refusal(s) by submitting evidence and arguments in
`support of registration.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`f applicant has questions about its application or this Office action, please contact the assigned trademark examining attorney at the telephone
`number below.
`
`/Suzanne Blane/
`Trademark Examining Attorney
`Law Office 114
`Tel. 571-272-5497
`suzanne.blane@uspto.gov
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`RESPOND TO THIS ACTION:(cid:160)Applicant should file a response to this Office action(cid:160)online using the form at
`http://www.uspto.gov/teas/eTEASpageD.htm, waiting 48-72 hours if applicant received notification of the Office action via e-mail.(cid:160)(cid:160)For
`technical assistance with the form, please e-mail TEAS@uspto.gov.(cid:160) For(cid:160)questions about the Office action itself, please contact the assigned
`examining attorney.(cid:160)(cid:160) Do not respond to this Office action by e-mail;(cid:160)the USPTO does not accept e-mailed responses .
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`f responding by paper mail, please include the following information: the application serial number, the mark, the filing date and the name,
`title/position, telephone number and e-mail address of the person signing the response.(cid:160) Please use the following address: Commissioner for
`Trademarks, P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451.
`
`(cid:160)S
`
`TATUS CHECK: Check the status of the application at least once every six months from the initial filing date using the USPTO Trademark
`Applications and Registrations Retrieval (TARR) online system at http://tarr.uspto.gov.(cid:160) When conducting an online status check, print and
`maintain a copy of the complete TARR screen.(cid:160) If the status of your application has not changed for more than six months, please contact the
`assigned examining attorney.
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`

`
`httn:i"fv\rww.merriam-Webster.comfdiciionaryfselect
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`D9i"1?'iQDD9 11:31:58 PM
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`fl|SD\flsil: Unabridged
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`" MIUII1 US
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`3 entries found
`
`1select (adjective)
`2
`select (verb)
`aselect (noun)
`
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`NEW GAMES 1
`Define Any Word With The Click OfA Button. Free, Fast, and Simple.
`www.Goog1e.com
`
`Main Entry: “select
`Function: verb
`Date: 1566
`_
`_
`ifranarrrve verb
`
`mzrazesizive verb
`. to make a choice
`'
`
`Learn more about "selecl" and relaied topics at Brilannica.com
`See 3 man Of "SEIEC1" in the Visual Thesaurus
`
`’ [EARN MORE
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`httnffvurww.merriam-Webster.comfdictionaryfselect
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`D9:"1?':QDD9 11:31:58 PM
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`Sharethisentry:
`Link to this page:
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`Cite this nage:
`MLM is
`"select." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionar_\g. 2009.
`Merriam-Webster Online 17 September EDDQ
`<http.J‘Jwv\rw rnemarn-webeter.comJ‘c|ictionaryJ’seiect=
`APR 19
`select. (2009). In Mem'am- Webster Onrme Dictionary.
`Retrieved September 1 I, EUEIQ, from ht'ip:.I’iwww.merrlem—webeter.comrdlctionaryfeelect
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`
`Panasonic Corporation of North America (ptodocket@arelaw.com)
`
`U.S. TRADEMARK APPLICATION NO. 77760905 - SELECT MAIL - 55210/661
`
`9/18/09 10:54:13 AM
`
`ECOM114@USPTO.GOV
`
`To:
`
`Subject:
`
`Sent:
`
`Sent As:
`
`Attachments:
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) (cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING YOUR TRADEMARK APPLICATION
`
`(cid:160)Y
`
`our trademark application (Serial No. 77760905) has been reviewed.(cid:160)(cid:160) The examining attorney assigned by the
`United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) has written a letter (an “Office action”) on 9/18/2009
`to which you must respond (unless the Office letter specifically states that no response is required).(cid:160) Please follow
`these steps:
`
`(cid:160)1
`
`link
`Read
`.
`this
`on
`clicking
`by
`letter
`Office
`the
`http://tmportal.uspto.gov/external/portal/tow?DDA=Y&serial_number=77760905&doc_type=OOA&mail_date=20090918 OR go to (cid:160)
`http://tmportal.uspto.gov/external/portal/tow and enter your serial number to access the Office letter.(cid:160) If you have difficulty accessing the
`Office letter, contact TDR@uspto.gov. (cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`PLEASE NOTE: The(cid:160)Office letter may not be(cid:160)immediately available but will be(cid:160)viewable within(cid:160)24 hours of this e-mail notification.
`
`(cid:160)2
`
`. Contact the examining attorney who reviewed your application if you have any questions about the content of the Office letter (contact
`information appears at the end thereof).
`
`(cid:160)3
`
`. Respond within 6 months, calculated from 9/18/2009 (or sooner if specified in the Office letter), using the Trademark Electronic Application
`System (TEAS) Response to Office Action form. If you have difficulty using TEAS, contact TEAS@uspto.gov.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`ALERT:
`
`Failure to file any required response by the applicable deadline will result in the ABANDONMENT (loss) of your application.
`
`(cid:160)D
`
`o NOT hit “Reply” to this e-mail notification, or otherwise attempt to e-mail your response, as the USPTO does NOT accept e-mailed
`
`responses.(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)