To:
`
`Subject:
`
`Sent:
`
`Sent As:
`
`Attachments:
`
`Panasonic Corporation (docketingtm@hdp.com)
`
`U.S. TRADEMARK APPLICATION NO. 85207392 - 3D LINK - 9432-200483/
`
`10/27/2011 1:24:26 PM
`
`ECOM114@USPTO.GOV
`
`Attachment - 1
`Attachment - 2
`Attachment - 3
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE (USPTO)
`OFFICE ACTION (OFFICIAL LETTER) ABOUT APPLICANT’S TRADEMARK APPLICATION
`
`85207392
`
`(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)
`
`*85207392*
`
`CLICK HERE TO RESPOND TO THIS LETTER:
`http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/teas/response_forms.jsp
`
`(cid:160) (cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) APPLICATION SERIAL NO.(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) MARK: 3D LINK(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)
`(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)
`9432-200483/(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)
`
`GREGORY A. STOBBS/GEOFFREY D. AURINI(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)
`HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.(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)
`TROY, MI 48098-2683(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`5445 CORPORATE DR STE 200
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`(cid:160) Panasonic Corporation
`
`docketingtm@hdp.com
`
`STRICT DEADLINE TO RESPOND TO THIS LETTER
`TO AVOID ABANDONMENT OF APPLICANT’S TRADEMARK APPLICATION, THE USPTO MUST RECEIVE APPLICANT’S COMPLETE
`RESPONSE TO THIS LETTER WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THE ISSUE/MAILING DATE BELOW.
`
`OFFICE ACTION
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`SSUE/MAILING DATE: 10/27/2011
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`his office action is in response to the applicant’s correspondence of September 9, 2011.
`
`(cid:160)S
`
`tatus of Issues
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he amended identification, color claim, color location statement, and response to the information requirement are accepted.(cid:160)(cid:160) The applicant
`acceptably responded to the meaning or significance inquiry although the examining attorney respectfully disagrees with applicant’s conclusion
`
`that LINK is suggestive.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`The refusal under Section 2(e)(1) is withdrawn.(cid:160) Instead, the applicant must address the following disclaimer requirements.
`
`(cid:160)D
`
`isclaimer
`Applicant must disclaim the descriptive wording “3D LINK” apart from the mark as shown because it merely describes an ingredient, quality,
`characteristic, function, feature, purpose or use of applicant’s goods and/or services. (cid:160) See 15 U.S.C. §§1052(e)(1), 1056(a); In re
`Steelbuilding.com, 415 F.3d 1293, 1297, 75 USPQ2d 1420, 1421 (Fed. Cir. 2005); In re Gyulay, 820 F.2d 1216, 1217-18, 3 USPQ2d 1009, 1010
`
`(Fed. Cir. 1987); TMEP §§1213, 1213.03(a).(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`Specifically, in this case, the wording 3D LINK immediately conveys to consumers that applicant’s goods may feature three-dimensional
`images available via a link.(cid:160) The previously attached definition of 3D shows that it means three-dimensional.(cid:160) The previously attached definition
`demonstrates that the word LINK means a connecting element or factor or an identifier used for connection with another identified element.(cid:160)
`Thus, consumers would expect the applicant’s products to show or feature three-dimensional images and feature or use computer links. (cid:160) The
`
`(cid:160)
`

`

`previously attached on-line information from applicant’s website shows that its products include three dimensional televisions and that the
`applicant is promoting various 3D technology and products.(cid:160) The applicant also disclaimed the wording LINK for its registered mark VIERA
`LINK for televisions, per the attached copy of that registration, which demonstrates the descriptive nature of such wording in connection with the
`identified products.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`n the alternative, applicant must disclaim the deceptively misdescriptive wording “3D LINK” apart from the mark as shown because it merely
`describes an ingredient, quality, characteristic, function, feature, purpose or use of the applicant’s goods and/or services which is both false and
`believable.(cid:160) See 15 U.S.C. §§1052(e)(1), 1056(a); In re Woodward & Lothrop Inc., 4 USPQ2d 1412 (TTAB 1987); In re Ox-Yoke Originals, Inc.,
`222 USPQ 352 (TTAB 1983); TMEP §§1209.04, 1213.03(a).(cid:160)(cid:160) As noted above, the wording 3D LINK immediately conveys to consumers that
`applicant’s goods may feature three-dimensional images available via a link. (cid:160) The previously attached definition of 3D shows that it means
`three-dimensional.(cid:160) The previously attached definition demonstrates that the word LINK means a connecting element or factor or an identifier
`used for connection with another identified element.(cid:160) Thus, consumers would expect the applicant’s products to show or feature three-
`dimensional images and feature or use computer links.(cid:160) The idea created by the mark is plausible because consumers are familiar with three
`dimensional televisions and televisions which provided on-line access or electronic features and thus links.(cid:160) The applicant itself previously
`disclaimed the wording LINK for its registered mark VIERA LINK for televisions, per the attached copy of that registration.(cid:160) Thus, if the
`televisions do not provide links as argued by applicant, the wording LINK conveys a salient feature which is both false and plausible and as such
`must be disclaimed as deceptively misdescriptive.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
` “disclaimer” is a statement that applicant does not claim exclusive rights to an unregistrable component of a mark; it does not affect the
`appearance of the mark.(cid:160) TMEP §1213.(cid:160) An unregistrable component of a mark includes wording and designs that are merely descriptive,(cid:160)
`generic, or deceptively misdescriptive of the goods and/or services, and is wording or an illustration that others would need to use to describe or
`show their goods and services in the marketplace.(cid:160) 15 U.S.C. §1052(e); see TMEP §§1209.03(f), 1213.03 et seq.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant may submit the following standardized format for a disclaimer:
`
`No claim is made to the exclusive right to use “3D LINK” apart from the mark as shown.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`MEP §1213.08(a)(i); see In re Owatonna Tool Co., 231 USPQ 493 (Comm’r Pats. 1983).
`
`(cid:160)S
`
`pecific Information Requested
`The applicant must specifically indicate if any of its electronic products provide links to connect to(cid:160) information, data, feature or functions.(cid:160) See
`37 C.F.R. §2.61(b); TMEP §§808.01(a), 814.
`
`(cid:160)Q
`
`uestions
`If applicant has questions regarding this Office action, please telephone or e-mail the assigned trademark examining attorney.(cid:160) All relevant e-
`mail communications will be placed in the official application record; however, an e-mail communication will not be accepted as a response to
`this Office action and will not extend the deadline for filing a proper response.(cid:160) See 37 C.F.R. §2.191; TMEP §§304.01-.02, 709.04-.05.(cid:160) Further,
`although the trademark examining attorney may provide additional explanation pertaining to the refusal(s) and/or requirement(s) in this Office
`action, the trademark examining attorney may not provide legal advice or statements about applicant’s rights. (cid:160) See TMEP §§705.02, 709.06.
`
`/Mary Boagni/
`Examining Attorney
`Law Office 114
`571-272-9130
`Law Office 114 fax: 571-273-9114
`e-mail: mary.boagni@uspto.gov
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`O RESPOND TO THIS LETTER: (cid:160) Go to http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/teas/response_forms.jsp. (cid:160) Please wait 48-72 hours from the
`issue/mailing date before using TEAS, to allow for necessary system updates of the application.(cid:160) For technical assistance with online forms, e-
`mail TEAS@uspto.gov.(cid:160) For(cid:160)questions about the Office action itself, please contact the assigned trademark examining attorney.(cid:160)(cid:160) E-mail
`communications will not be accepted as responses to Office actions; therefore, do not respond to this Office action by e-mail.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`ll informal e-mail communications relevant to this application will be placed in the official application record.
`
`(cid:160)W
`
`HO MUST SIGN THE RESPONSE:(cid:160) It must be personally signed by(cid:160)an individual applicant or(cid:160)someone with legal authority to bind an
`applicant (i.e., a corporate officer, a general partner, all joint applicants).(cid:160)(cid:160)If an applicant is represented by an attorney, the attorney must sign the
`
`response.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`PERIODICALLY CHECK THE STATUS OF THE APPLICATION: (cid:160) To ensure that applicant does not miss crucial deadlines or official
`
`(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)
`

`

`notices, check the status of the application every three to four months using Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval (TARR) at
`http://tarr.uspto.gov/. (cid:160) Please keep a copy of the complete TARR screen. (cid:160) If TARR shows no change for more than six months, call
`1-800-786-9199. (cid:160) For more information on checking status, see http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/process/status/.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`O UPDATE CORRESPONDENCE/E-MAIL ADDRESS:(cid:160) Use the TEAS form at http://www.uspto.gov/teas/eTEASpageE.htm.
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`

`

`Print: Oct 27, 2011
`
`7?113383
`
`DESIGN MARK
`
`Serial Number
`T?ll3383
`
`Status
`REGISTERED
`
`Word Mark
`VIERA LINK
`
`Standard Character Mark
`No
`
`Registration NI.II"I'IhBf
`3550804
`
`Date Registered
`2008fl2f23
`
`Type of Mark
`TRADEMARK
`
`Register
`PRINCIPAL
`
`Mark Drawing Code
`[3] DESIGN PLUS WORDS, LETTERS ANDJOR NUMBERS
`
`D"NI1Bf
`PANASONIC CORPORATION CORPORATION JAPAN 1006 OAZA KADOMA, KADOI‘-‘IA-SHI
`OSAKA JAPAN 571-8501
`
`Goodslservices
`G & S:
`O21 O23 O26 O36 038.
`US
`IC 009.
`Class Statue -- ACTIVE.
`SLIM TELEVISION SETS EQUIPPED WITH A FLAT PLASMA OR FLAT LIQUID
`CRYSTAL DISPLAY} DIGITAL VIDEO DISC RECORDERKPLAYER, AUDIO SPEAKER
`SYSTEMS; REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR USE WITH TELEVISIONS. First
`Use: 2007fO2fOO. First Use In Commerce: ZOOBIOIIOS.
`
`Prior Re-gIstratInn(s)
`2943375
`
`Disclairner Statement
`No CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE "LINK" APART FROM THE
`MARK AS SHOWN.
`
`Description of Mark
`The mark consists of the words "VIERA LINK" within an octagonal box.
`The words "VIERA LINK" are light blue and outlined in black . The
`interior of the box is various shades of dark blue. The box has a blue
`
`-1-
`
`

`

`Print: Oct 27, 2011
`
`7?113383
`
`border whose interior margin is highlighted with white at the bottom
`margin and lower righthand corner;
`the interior margin of the border
`is outlined in black at the top margin and three remaining interior
`corners.
`
`light blue, black and white isfare claimed as
`
`Cnlnrs Claimed
`The oolortsj dark blue,
`a feature of the mark.
`
`Filing Date
`2001/02/22
`
`Examining Attorney
`POWERS, ALEXANDER L.
`
`Attorney of Record
`Howard N. Aronson
`
`

`

`

`

`To:
`
`Subject:
`
`Sent:
`
`Sent As:
`
`Attachments:
`
`Panasonic Corporation (docketingtm@hdp.com)
`
`U.S. TRADEMARK APPLICATION NO. 85207392 - 3D LINK - 9432-200483/
`
`10/27/2011 1:24:28 PM
`
`ECOM114@USPTO.GOV
`
`IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING YOUR
`U.S. TRADEMARK APPLICATION
`
`USPTO OFFICE ACTION HAS ISSUED ON 10/27/2011 FOR
`SERIAL NO. 85207392
`
`lease follow the instructions below to continue the prosecution of your application:
`
`(cid:160)P
`
`TO READ OFFICE ACTION: Click on this link or go to http://portal.uspto.gov/external/portal/tow and enter the application serial
`number to access the Office action.
`
`(cid:160)P
`
`LEASE NOTE: The Office action may not be immediately available but will be viewable within 24 hours of this e-mail notification.
`
`(cid:160)R
`
`ESPONSE(cid:160)IS REQUIRED: You should carefully review the Office action to determine (1) how to respond; and (2) the applicable response
`time period. Your response deadline will be calculated from 10/27/2011 (or sooner if specified in the office action).
`
`(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) Instead, the USPTO recommends that you respond online using the Trademark Electronic Application System Response
`Form.
`
`(cid:160)H
`
`ELP: For technical assistance in accessing the Office action, please e-mail
`
`TDR@uspto.gov.(cid:160) Please contact the assigned examining attorney with questions about the Office action.(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) WARNING
`
`(cid:160)F
`
`ailure to file the required response by the applicable deadline will result in the ABANDONMENT of your
`application.
`
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`