throbber
Request for Reconsideration afier Final Action
`
`Page 1 of 19
`
`PTO Fonn 1960 (Rev 9/2007)
`
`OMB No. xx)o<-yoocx (Exp. x/xxxx)
`
`Request for Reconsideration after Final Action
`
`The table below presents the data as entered.
`
`LAW OFFICE ASSIGNED
`
`LAW OFFICE 107
`
`77010647
`
`
`1nP“*Fie'd
`SERIAL NUMBER
`
`
`
`
`MARK SECTION (no change)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ARGUMENT(S)
`
`Responsive to the Final Ofiice Action, dated November 6, 2007, please consider the following
`
`response:
`
`Likelihood of Confusion.
`
`REMARKS
`
`15 U.S.C. § 1052(d), because of an alleged likelihood of confusion between Applicant’s mark and
`
`
`
`In the Office Action, registration of Applicant’s mark was again refused under Section 2(d),
`
`
`
`
`
`
`United States Registration 3,194,667 for the stylized mark “ZACOL NMX” (“the ‘667 Registration”).
`
`The Office Action indicated that Applicant’s arguments were considered but
`
`the refusal was
`
`maintained. Applicant respectfully requests that the examining attorney reconsider this determination
`
`in light of the following arguments in addition to the arguments and evidence previously submitted by
`
`Applicant in its Response dated July 20, 2007.
`
`Applicant respectfillly submits that no likelihood of confusion exists under Section 2(d) of the
`
`
`
`Trademark Act between its mark “ZUCOL” and the mark covered by the ‘667 Registration.
`
`Accordingly, Applicant requests reconsideration of the Examining Attomey’s position in light of the '
`
`following remarks.
`
`A.
`
`Availability of Goods Sold under the Marks
`
`Applicant’s goods are used to treat colds and other diseases of the respiratory tract and are sold
`
`file://\\ticrs-ais—01\ticrsexport\HtmlToTifiInput\RFR00012008_06_l 1_1 l_3 8_59_TTABO...
`
`6/1 1/2008
`
`

`
`Request for Reconsideration afier Final Action
`
`‘
`
`Page 2 of 19
`
`through mass retailers. The ‘667 Registration includes a lengthy description of goods.
`
`However, as discussed in more detail below, Applicant respectfully submits that the goods sold under
`
`the ‘667 Registration are directed to treatment of issues relating to the digestive tract or colon. Putting
`
`that issue aside, Applicant has thoroughly searched the intemet to find goods sold under the ‘667
`
`Registration that could be purchased by consumers. Further, Applicant has searched several stores in
`person and on-line in an attempt to actually find any products sold under the ‘667 Registration.
`
`Applicant has not been successful. Applicant notes that the ‘667 Registration was filed as an
`
`application pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1141f(a) (Section 66(a) of the Lanham Act) and as such has never
`
`made a declaration that Registrant is in fact using the mark in the United States. The results of
`
`Applicant’s investigation are consistent with Registrant’s promotional materials on the intemet which
`
`states that “ZACOL NMX is launched for the local market in It 3:,” ye Exh. A, p. 1, and that
`
`“Zacol NMX, is marketed in Italy.” Si Exh. A, at p. 4. Accordingly, it appears that Registrant’s
`
`goods sold under the Zacol NMX mark are not available in the United States.
`
`B.
`
`Similarity or Dissimilarity of the Marks.
`
`It is well established under the relevant case law that the marks must be Considered in their
`
`
`entireties which is the way consumers encounter the marks. Additionally, the marks must be
`
`considered as a whole because “the commercial impression of a trademark is derived from it as a
`
`whole, not from elements, separated and considered in detail.” Qpryland USA Inc. v. Great
`
`American Music Show, Inc., 970 F.2d 847, 23 U.S. P.Q. 2d 1471, 1473 (Fed. Cir. 1992). The courts
`
`have made clear that the marks should be considered as a whole and not be broken into component
`
`parts to reach a conclusion of confusing similarity. Si In re Hearst Corp, 25 U.S.P.Q.2d 1238, 1239
`
`(Fed. Cir. 1992) (stating “marks tend to be perceived in their entireties, and all components thereof
`
`must be given appropriate weight”).
`
`In spite of this, and without a recitation to supporting authority,
`
`the Office Action
`
`impermissibly parses the marks and then asserts “that the commercial impression of the marks is
`
`highly similar because applicant’s mark, ZUCOL, and the dominate portion of the registered mark
`
`‘ZACOL’ begin with the letter ‘Z’ and end in ‘-COL’. The only difference is the use of a different
`
`vowel.” Such parsing and breaking into components is improper and ignores that the registered mark
`
`file://\\ticrs-ais-01\ticrsexport\HtmlToTifi'Input\RFRO0012008_06_1 1_1 1_3 8_59_TTABO...
`
`6/1 1/2008
`
`

`
`Request for Reconsideration afier Final Action
`
`Page 3 of 19
`
`as a whole is “ZACOL NMX.” Such an analysis violates the relevant legal standards for an
`
`analysis of the similarity of marks that has been well established by the courts.
`
`Likewise, the Ofiice Action goes on to allege that consumers are accustomed to seeing letters
`
`or acronyms used at the end of a name or mark, and again without legal authority, apparently
`
`concludes that the second word of Registrant’s mark can be ignored for the purposes of the analysis of
`
`a likelihood of confusion because it is allegedly common to have letters afier the mark for different
`
`versions of these type of products. As support,
`the Office Action cites to examples of other
`registrations, such as the registrations for EFFEXOR and EFFEXOR XR and CLARINEX and
`
`CLARINEX-D. Such an argument completely ignores the fact that unlike the cited examples,
`
`Registrant did not register the term alone, in this case “ZACOL,” and in any event that the Registrant
`
`prominately points out the importance of the letters NMX in its advertising materials as showing that
`
`Registrant’s product utilizes the patented delivery system. See generally Exh. A, at p. 3. Registrant
`
`expressly states on its promotional materials that the letters “NMX” of its mark “Zacol NMX” refer to
`
`its use of the patented MMX technology. 111; The Registrant clearly believes the NMX portion of its
`
`mark “ZACOL NMX” is important, and in fact, wants to make sure it is clear to consumers that its
`
`product is related to its MMX technology. For example, on the page of the web site directed to the
`
`Zacol NMX product Registrant’s lead paragraph states, in relevant part, “Zacol.NMX is a dietary
`
`supplement based on the MMX technology.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`. NlVlX is a nutraceutical version of MMX
`
`technology.” [1] fie Exh. A, at p. 3.
`
`Whether or not the “NMX” portion of Registrant’s mark “ZACOL NMX” is considered in the
`
`analysis of the similarity of Applicant’s markpto Registrant’s marks affects all the factors considered
`
`in a proper analysis under the similarity of the marks prong, including but not limited to appearance,
`
`sound, and connotation. Applicant respectfiilly subrriits that it is impermissible to ignore the letters
`
`“NMX” of Registrant’s mark “ZACOL NMX” and that such an analysis is improper. Further,
`
`Applicant submits that the Office‘Action has not provided any legal authority to the contrary
`
`supporting such an analysis.
`
`Therefore, while Applicant’s “ZUCOL” mark and the ‘667 Registration for the mark “ZACOL
`
`NMX” have several letters in common, the marks must be considered as a whole. Accordingly,
`
`file://\\ticrs-ais-01\ticrsexport\HtmlToTiffInput\RFR00012008_06_1 1_1 1_3 8_59_TTABO...
`
`6/1 1/2008
`
`

`
`Request for Reconsideration after Final Action
`
`Page 4 of 19
`
`Applicant respectfiilly submits that when an analysis is performed that is consistent with the
`
`relevant legal authorities, the differences between the marks are sufficient such that there is not a
`
`likelihood of confusion.
`
`_Se_e General Mills Inc. v. Kellogg Co., 824 F.2d 622, 627, 3 U.S.P.Q.2d
`
`1442, 1445 (8th Cir. 1987). For these reasons, Applicant reasserts the arguments in its Response
`
`submitted July 20, 2O07.[2]
`
`C.
`
`Similarity or Dissimilarity of the Goods or Services.
`
`In the Office Action, it is asserted that some of the goods identified in the ‘667 Registration are
`
`not, in fact, directed to the colon. A search of the intemet reveals that the product offered by the
`
`owner of the ‘667 Registration is in actuality specifically directed to treating various problems
`
`associated with the colon. S_e§ Exh. A. Further, such an assertion ignores that Registrant expressly
`
`states that it is a “specialty pharmaceutical company that aims to become a global leader in the market
`
`of optimized therapies for selected gastro-intestinal diseases.” m Exh. A, at p. 4. Similarly,
`
`Registrant states that one of its business fields is “[d]evelopment and commercialization of proprietary
`
`drugs, primarily focused on the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and colon infections.” _S_e§
`
`Exh. A, at p. 5.
`
`As mentioned earlier, Applicant has thoroughly investigated and searched the internet to find
`
`goods sold under the ‘667 Registration, including those allegedly not directed to the colon as asserted
`
`in the Office Action. Applicant has not been successful in finding any products under the mark
`
`“ZACOL NMX” which could be purchased. Rather, the only information Applicant is able to locate
`
`is provided in Exhibit A, which specifically and expressly states that the product sold by Registrant
`
`under its mark “ZACOL NMX” is directed to treating problems associated with the colon. E Exh.
`
`A. The corporation’s materials state “The Company’s proprietary clinical development pipeline
`
`specifically addresses innovative treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, with the group’s lead
`
`product Lialda launched in the US market and Zacol NMX launched for the local market in Italy.”
`
`Exh. A, at p. 1. More specifically, with regard only to its product Zacol NMX, Registrant expressly
`
`states that the product is to treat “Intestinal disorders,” Exh. A., at p. 2, and that “Zaco1 NMX is a
`
`dietary supplement .
`
`.
`
`. directed to the colon.” Exh. A, at p. 3.
`
`'
`
`Further, as discussed above, Applicant has also searched several stores in person and on-line
`
`file://\\ticrs-ais-O1\ticrsexport\HtmlToTifflnput\RFRO00 12008_06_1 1_1 l_3 8_59_TTABO...
`
`6/ l l/2008
`
`

`
`Request for Reconsideration afier Final Action
`
`Page 5 of 19
`
`and is unable to actually find products sold under the ‘667 Registration. Applicant would note
`
`that the ‘667 Registration was filed as an application pursuant to U.S.C. § l141f(a) (Section 66(a) of
`
`the Lanham Act), and as such, has never made a declaration that Registrant is in fact using the mark in
`
`the United States.
`
`In the Office Action it
`
`is asserted that
`
`the ‘667 Registration includes “Pharmaceutical
`
`preparations .
`
`.
`
`. namely anti-inflammatories, anti-infectives, antacids, anti-flatulars, and anti-
`
`parasitics.” Office Action, at p. 3. The Office Action, however, ignores the commonality of these
`
`specifically identified medical issues and then attempts to make the naked assertion that the “anti-
`
`infectives may be for use in the respiratory tract.” Q There is no support for the proposition that
`
`while all the other specifically identified items deal with the digestive system that somehow the anti-
`
`infectives are for the respiratory tract. The Ofiice Action attempts to prop up this argument with the
`
`statement that some newspaper articles allegedly support a hypothetical argument that respiratory tract
`
`infections can be treated by supplements and preparations. LL Applicant points out that one of the
`
`alleged newspaper articles is really an advertisement for the product that the “article” is allegedly
`
`discussing. S_ee_ Ofiice Action, Attachment 88-89, copyright 2007 Xlear, Inc.
`
`The Office Action did not even attempt to support this argument using the promotional
`
`materials from Registrant. Further, the newspapers are not conclusive of anything in this matter and
`
`do not and carmot refute Registrant’s own statements in their promotion materials. Likewise, the
`
`Office Action has no evidence of how the product allegedly sold under the ‘667 Registration utilizing
`
`the recited NMX technology to make sure the active ingredient in the product is released only in the
`
`colon allegedly treats the respiratory tract. Such arguments are untenable and unsupportable based on
`
`the clear and express statements in Registrant’s promotional materials clearly stating that the goods
`
`are for the colon.
`
`S_e_e_ Exh. A.
`
`Applicant has also reviewed the registrations provided with the Office Action which allegedly
`
`suggest that the goods at issue are the kind that could emanate from a single source. Applicant
`
`respectfully disagrees and asserts that these registrations do not show anything conclusive as it relates
`
`to Registrant’s goods and cannot and do not overcome the evidence of Registrant’s own advertising
`
`materials which state that the goods allegedly sold under the ‘667 Registration are directed to the
`
`file://\\ticrs-ais-01\ticrs export\HtrnlToTitflnput\RFRO0O 1 2008_06_1 l_1 l_3 8_5 9__TTABO . ..
`
`6/1 1/2008
`
`

`
`Request for Reconsideration afier Final Action
`
`. Page 6 of 19
`
`colon. Accordingly, the trademark protected under the ‘667 Registration is likely encountered
`
`by those consumers having colon or intestinal issues and needing a nutraceutical directed to that
`
`specific problem. The Office Action fails to produce evidence showing otherwise.
`
`In contrast, Applicant’s goods are encountered by those individuals who are seeking cold or
`
`respiratory pharmaceutical preparations. Applicant’s advertising materials focus on cold and flu
`
`treatment. _S_e_e Exh. D (“Zucol is a new approach to cold re1ief.”). Therefore, it is unlikely that an
`
`individual who is a potential purchaser of the nutraceutical directed to the colon or dietary tract which
`
`is sold under the ‘667 Registration will encounter Applicant’s mark and believe that Applicant’s
`
`pharmaceutical product sold under the mark “ZUCOL” for treatingicolds or other respiratory issues is
`
`sponsored by or afiiliated with the owner of the ‘667 Registration. It is also unlikely that a consumer
`
`purchasing Applicant’s “ZUCOL” product for the treatment of colds and respiratory problems would
`
`assume that Applicant’s product is produced by the manufacturer of a product for treating colon or
`
`intestinal issues.
`
`Applicant further asserts that the evidence provided in the Office Action to show that a
`
`consumer will allegedly encounter both goods does not, when thoroughly examined, support such an
`
`argument.
`
`In fact, this argument is contrived and inaccurate. Specifically, if a consumer goes to the
`
`cited websites, “shop.safeway.com” and “peapod.com”,
`
`it
`
`is clear that the consumer does not
`
`encounter both types of products at the same time. Q; Office Action, attachments 119 and 120. For
`
`example at “shop.safeway.com” the products are listed by broad categories. §e_e Ofiice Action,
`
`attachment 119; figalsg Exh. B, at p. 1. To see the products the consumer must click on the box
`
`identified by the broad category and the website takes the consumer to a separate page which
`
`specifically shows a subset of the general category. See generally Exh. B, at pp. 2-3. For example, on
`
`the “shop.safeway.com” site “Cold & Allergy” is specifically identified as one group while “Antacid
`
`& Digestive Aids are another. E B, at p. 1. A consumer has to go several pages into the
`
`website to even see products within each general category.
`
`_S_e;e_ Exh. B, at pp. 2 and 3. As a result, the
`
`assertion that both a product for the treatment of a respiratory tract infection and a product for the
`
`digestive system or colon would be on the same page or “aisle” is inconsistent with the attached
`
`materials and is unsupported. Even on the materials attached with the Office Action, nothing more
`
`file ://\\ticrs-ais—01\ticrs export\HtmlToTifiInput\RFR00012008_06_1 1_1 1_3 8_5 9_TTABO . ..
`
`6/1 1/2008
`
`

`
`Request for Reconsideration after Final Action
`
`Page 7 of 19
`
`than the general categories were shown on the same page. Office Action, attachment 119 and
`
`120.
`
`Such is also the case at “peapod.com”. $3 Exh. C; 113 Office Action, attachment 120.
`
`The goods are again characterized in broad categories and the user must go several levels in to the
`
`website to see the products. E Exh. C. The products under the general category, “Cold, Cough and
`
`i
`
`l
`
`Flu”, do not include products which would be in the “Stomach Remedies” categories. Exh. C,
`
`compare pp. 3-8 with pp. 9-14.
`
`Afier Applicant’s intensive search both on the internet and in several mass retail stores, Where
`
`Applicant was unable to locate any products sold under the ‘667 Registration, Applicant submits that
`
`it is a vast overstatement to say both products will be encountered by the same purchasers.
`
`In fact,
`
`there is no such evidence. Applicant performed an intemet search for the goods sold under the ‘667
`
`Registration, and was unable to locate goods sold under the ‘667 Registration which are being sold in
`
`the United States. Rather, Applicant found Registrant’s advertising materials which expressly state
`
`that the Zacol NMX product is sold only in Italy. Exh. A, at p. 1. Accordingly, the Ofiice Action has
`
`provided no evidence showing that Registrant’s nutraceutical products sold under the ‘667
`
`Registration which are directed to colon and intestinal issues are even sold in the" United States let
`
`alone in the cold and flu section of a store. Likewise, there is no evidence they are on the same web
`
`page (other than broad categories which include dozens of products) or in the same aisle.
`
`Therefore, Applicant submits when the differences between the types of goods identified in the
`
`description of goods for the ‘667 Registration and Applicant’s trademark application, and,
`
`particularly, the expressly stated use of each product are considered, there is a significant dissimilarity
`
`between Applicant’s pharmaceutical preparation for treatment of colds and respiratory tract ailments
`
`and Registrant’s nutraceuticals for treating colon related issues.
`
`Finally, Applicant respectfully asserts that the Ofiice Action attempts to apply certain
`
`presumptions and alleged probative value of certain evidence in support of its argument of a
`
`likelihood of confusion between Applicant’s mark and Registrant’s mark when in fact there is
`
`absolutely _l\_IQ evidence that Registrant’s goods are being sold in the United States. There is not one
`
`piece of evidence or support showing the presence of these products in the United States. The entirety
`
`file ://\\ticrs-ais—01\ticrs export\HtmlToTifflnput\RFR000 l 2008_O6_l 1_1 l_3 8_59_TTABO . ..
`
`6/1 1/2008
`
`

`
`Request for Reconsideration after Final Action
`
`Page 8 of 19
`
`of the argument regarding the conditions under which the products are encountered and the
`
`alleged presumption because they are allegedly medically related and they should be given added
`
`protection are based on the hypothesis that Registrant’s product is, in fact, sold in the United States.
`
`Accordingly, Applicant asserts that any likelihood of confusion between products sold under
`
`Applicant’s mark and a product that is allegedly sold under Registrant’s mark is only conjecture and is
`
`completely unsupported. Such an assertion is actually contrary to the facts in this case.
`
`In summary, with regard to the ‘667 Registration, Applicant respectfully submits that when the
`
`list of factors established In re E.I. DuPont deNemours & Co. 476 F.2d 1357, 177 U.S.P.Q. 563
`
`(C.C.P.A. 1973), are considered in evaluating likelihood of confusion, no likelihood of confusion
`
`exists between Applicant’s mark and the ‘667 Registration.
`
`II.
`
`Conclusion.
`
`In view of the foregoing, Applicant submits that the application is now in an allowable
`
`condition. Prompt, favorable action is, therefore, courteously requested.
`
`In the event there remains
`
`any impediment to allowance of the mark which could be clarified in a telephonic interview, the
`
`Examining Attorney is respectfully requested to initiate such atelephone contact.
`
`[ 1] The recited MMX technology appears to somehow control that release of the active ingredient in the
`product sold under the ‘667 Registration such that it is only released in the colon. See id.
`
`[2] Applicant notes that the Office Action is correct in that the stylization of the ‘667 Registration should not be
`considered because Applicant’s mark is for standard characters. Accordingly, Applicant withdraws that portion of its
`arguments made in its Response dated July 20, 2007.
`
`EVIDENCE SECTION
`
`ORIGINAL
`PDF FILE
`
`CONVERTED
`PDF FILE(S)
`(5 pages)
`
`‘
`
`http://tgate/PDF/RFR/2008/05/06/20080506170447098400-
`77010647-O04_001/evi_209218107140-
`154018593_._l58_l_Ex_A.pdf
`
`\\TICRS\EXPOR'I‘\IMAGEOUT\770\ 1 O6\770 1 0647\xmll
`\RFR0002.JPG
`
`\\TICRS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\770l0647\Xml1
`\RF R0003. JPG
`
`i
`
`file://\\ticrs-ais-01\ticrsexport\HtmlToTiffInput\RFR00Ol2008_O6_1 1_1 l_3 8_59_TTABO...
`
`6/ l 1/2008
`
`

`
`Request for Reconsideration after Final Action
`
`Page 9 of 19
`
`
`
`\\TICRS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xmll
`\RF R0005. JPG
`
`\\TICRS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xm11
`\RF R000 6. JPG
`
`
` ._?i:j_
`\\TICRS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xml 1
`\RFR0004.JPG
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ORIGINAL
`PDF FILE
`
`http://tgate/PDF/RFR/2008/O5/06/20080506170447098400-
`77010647-OO4_O02/evi_209218107140-
`154018593_._158_1‘Ex_B.pdf
`
`\\TICRS\EXPORT\IMAGEOU"I\770\106\77010647\xml1
`IC,3§F‘{IEL1;f§)D
`(3 Pages)
`
`
`
`\\TIC RS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xm1l
`\RF R000 8.JPG
`
`\\TIC RS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\770l0647\xml1
`\RF R0009. JPG
`
`
`
`
`http://tgate/PDF/RFR/2008/05/06/20080506170447098400-
`77010647-004_003/evi_209218107140-
`154018593_._158_1_Ex_C.pdf
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`\\TICRS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xmll
`\LFgm110£
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`\\TIC RS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\Xm1l
`\RFR00 1 1 .JPG
`
`\\TICRS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xm11
`\RFR00 1 2. JPG
`
`\\TIC RS \EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\ 1 06\770 1 0647\xInl1
`\RFROOl3.JPG
`A
`
`\\TICRS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xm| 1
`\RF R00 1 4. JPG
`
`\\TICRS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xml1
`\RFR0015.JPG
`-
`
`\\TICRS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xml1
`\RF R00 1 6. JPG
`
`\\TICRS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xtnll
`\RFR00 1 7. JPG
`
`\\TIC RS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xmll
`\RF R00 1 8. JPG
`
`\\TIC RS \EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\ 1 06\7701 0647\xm1 1
`\RF R00 1 9. JPG
`
`
`
`ORIGINAL
`PDF FH..E
`
`1‘jg§1‘,’EEIgf)”
`(15 pages)
`
`file ://\\ticrs-ais-0 1\ticrsexport\HtmlToTiffInput\RFR000 1 2008_O6_1 l_1 1_3 8_59__TTABO . ..
`
`6/1 1/2008
`
`

`
`Request for Reconsideration after Final Action
`
`Page 10 of 19
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`\\TICRS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xml1
`\RF R002 0. JPG
`
`\\TIC RS\EXPOR'I'\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xmll
`\RF R002 1 . JPG
`
`\\TIC RS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUI\770\l06\77010647\xm11
`\RF R002 2. JPG
`
`\\TIC RS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\lO6\77010647\xml1
`\RFRO02 3.JPG
`
`\\TICRS\EXPOR'I‘\IMAGEOUT\770\ 1 06\77010647\xm1l
`\RFRO02 4.JPG
`
`http://tgate/PDF/RFR/2008/05/06/20080506170447098400-
`77010647-0O4_O04/evi_209218107140-
`154018593_._158_1_Ex_D.pdf
`
`\\TICRS\EXPORT\IMAGEOUT\770\106\77010647\xml1
`\RFRO025.JPG
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ORIGINAL
`PDF FILE
`
`
`§§§;’IEL1;}('$”
`(1 page)
`DESCRIPTION OF EVIDENCE FILE
`
`SIGNATURE SECTION
`
`DATESIGNED
`
`CONCURRENT APPEAL NOTICE FILED
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TEAS STAMP
`
`
`
`
`
`
`USPTO/RFR-209.218.lO7. 140
`-20080506170447098400-770
`10647-420beeb939df522eOcd
`9b999a27f33bd733—N/A-N/A-
`200805061 54018593051
`
`
`
`PTO Form 1960 (Rev 9/2007)
`
`OMB No. xxxx-x)o<x (Exp. xlxxxx)
`
`file://\\ticrs-ai5-01\ticrsexport\HtmlToTifi"Input\RFROO012008_O6_1 1_1 l_3 8_59_TTABO...
`
`6/1 1/2008
`
`

`
`Request for Reconsideration afier Final Action
`
`Page 11 of 19
`
`Request for Reconsideration after Final Action
`
`To the Commissioner for Trademarks:
`
`Application serial no. 77010647 has been amended as follows:
`
`ARGUMENT(S)
`In response to the substantive refusal(s), please note the following:
`
`Responsive to the Final Ofiice Action, dated November 6, 2007, please consider the following
`
`I‘CSp OIISCZ
`
`I.
`
`Likelihood of Confusion.
`
`REMARKS
`
`In the Office Action, registration of Applicant’s mark was again refused under Section 2(d),
`
`15 U.S.C. § l052(d), because of an alleged likelihood of confusion between Applicant’s mark and
`
`United States Registration 3,194,667 for the stylized mark “ZACOL NMX” (“the ‘667 Registration”).
`
`The Office Action indicated that Applicant’s arguments were considered but
`
`the refusal was
`
`maintained. Applicant respectfitlly requests that the examining attorney reconsider this determination in
`
`light of the following arguments in addition to the arguments and evidence previously submitted by
`
`Applicant in its Response dated July 20, 2007.
`
`Applicant respectfully submits that no likelihood of confusion exists under Section 2(d) of the
`
`Trademark Act between its mark “ZUCOL” and the mark covered by the ‘667 Registration.
`
`Accordingly, Applicant requests reconsideration of the Examining Attomey’s position in light of the
`
`following remarks._
`
`A.
`
`Availabilitv of Goods Sold under the Marks
`
`Applicant’s goods are used to treat colds and other diseases of the respiratory tract and are sold
`
`through mass retailers. The ‘667 Registration includes a lengthy description of goods. However, as
`
`discussed in more detail below, Applicant respectfully submits that the goods sold under the ‘667
`
`Registration are directed to treatment of issues relating to the digestive tract or colon. Putting that issue
`
`aside, Applicant has thoroughly searched the intemet to find goods sold under the ‘667 Registration that
`
`could be purchased by consumers. Further, Applicant has searched several stores in person and on-line
`
`in an attempt to actually find any products sold under the ‘667 Registration. Applicant has not been
`
`file://\\ticrs-ais-01\ticrsexport\HtmlToTifiInput\RFR00012008_O6_l 1_1 1_3 8_59_TTABO...
`
`6/1 1/2008
`
`

`
`Request for Reconsideration afier Final Action
`
`Page 12 of 19
`
`successful. Applicant notes that the ‘667 Registration was filed as an application pursuant to 15
`
`U.S.C. § l14lf(a) (Section 66(a) of the Lanham Act) and as such has never made a declaration that
`
`Registrant is in fact using the mark in the United States. The results of Applicant’s investigation are
`
`consistent with Registrant’s promotional materials on the intemet which states that “ZACOL NMX is
`
`launched for the local market in Italy,” §e_e Exh. A, p. l, and that “Zacol NMX, is marketed in Italy.”
`
`_S_e§ Exh. A, at p. 4. Accordingly, it appears that Registrant’s goods sold under the Zacol NMX mark are
`
`not available in the United States.
`
`B.
`
`Similarity or Dissimilarity of the Marks.
`
`It is well established under the relevant case law that the marks must be considered in their
`
`entireties, which is the way consumers encounter the marks. Additionally,
`
`the marks must be
`
`considered as a whole because “the commercial impression of a trademark is derived from it as a whole,
`
`not from elements, separated and considered in detail.” Opryland USA, Inc. v. Great American Music
`
`Show Inc. 970 F.2d 847, 23 U.S. P.Q. 2d 1471, 1473 (Fed. Cir. 1992). The courts have made clear that
`
`the marks should be considered as a whole and not be broken into component parts to reach a conclusion
`
`of confusing similarity. E In re Hearst Corp, 25 U.S.P.Q.2d 1238, 1239 (Fed. Cir. 1992) (stating
`
`“marks tend to be perceived in their entireties, and all components thereof must be given appropriate
`
`weight”).
`
`In spite of this, and without a recitation to supporting authority, the Office Action impermissibly
`
`parses the marks and then asserts “that the commercial impression of the marks is highly similar because
`
`applicant’s mark, ZUCOL, and the dominate portion of the registered mark ‘ZACOL’ begin with the
`
`letter ‘Z’ and end in ‘-COL’. The only difference is the use of a different vowel.” Such parsing and
`
`breaking into components is improper and ignores that the registered mark as a whole is “ZACOL
`
`NMX.” Such an analysis violates the relevant legal standards for an analysis of the similarity of marks
`
`that has been well established by the courts.
`
`Likewise, the Office Action goes on to allege that consumers are accustomed to seeing letters or
`
`acronyms used at the end of a name or mark, and again without legal authority, apparently concludes
`
`that the second word of Registrant’s mark can be ignored for the purposes of the analysis of a likelihood
`
`of confusion because it is allegedly common to have letters after the mark for different versions of these
`
`file://\\ticrs-ais-01\ticrsexport\HtmlToTiff[nput\R_FR00O12008_O6_l l_l l_3 8_59_TTABO...
`
`6/ 1 1/2008
`
`

`
`Request for Reconsideration afier Final Action
`
`Page 13 of 19
`
`type of products. As support, the Office Action cites to examples of other registrations, such as
`
`the registrations for EFFEXOR and EFFEXOR XR and CLARINEX and CLARINEX-D. Such an
`
`argument completely ignores the fact that unlike the cited examples, Registrant did not register the term
`
`alone, in this case “ZACOL,” and in any event that the Registrant prominately points out the importance
`
`of the letters NMX in its advertising materials as showing that Registrant’s product utilizes the patented
`
`delivery system. See generally Exh. A, at p. 3. Registrant expressly states on its promotional materials
`
`that the letters “NMX” of its mark “Zacol NMX” refer to its use of the patented MMX technology. Ld_.
`
`The Registrant clearly believes the NMX portion of its mark “ZACOL NMX” is important, and in fact,
`
`wants to make sure it is clear to consumers that its product is related to its MMX technology. For
`
`example, on the page of the web site directed to the Zacol NMX product Registrant’s lead paragraph
`
`states, in relevant part, “Zacol NMX is a dietary supplement based on the MMX technology. .
`
`.
`
`. NMX
`
`is a nutraceutical version of MMX technology.” [1] S3 Exh. A, at p. 3.
`
`Whether or not the “NMX” portion of Registrant’s mark “ZACOL NMX” is considered in the
`
`analysis of the similarity of App1icant’s mark to Registrant’s marks affects all the factors considered in a
`
`proper analysis under the similarity of the marks prong, including but not limited to appearance, sound,
`
`and connotation. Applicant respectfully submits that it is impermissible to ignore the letters “NMX” of
`
`Registrant’s mark “ZACOL NMX” and that such an analysis is improper. Further, Applicant submits
`
`that the Office Action has not provided any legal authority to the contrary supporting such an analysis.
`
`Therefore, while Applicant’s “ZUCOL” mark and the ‘667 Registration for the mark “ZACOL
`
`NMX” have several
`
`letters in common, the marks must be considered as a whole. Accordingly,
`
`Applicant respectfully submits that when an analysis is performed that is consistent with the relevant
`
`legal authorities, the differences between the marks are sufficient such that there is not a likelihood of
`
`confiision. See General Mills Inc. v. Kellogg Co., 824 F.2d 622, 627, 3 U.S.P.Q.2d 1442, 1445 (8th Cir.
`2
`1987). For these reasons, Applicant reasserts the arguments in its Response submitted July 20, 2007.[ ]
`
`C.
`
`Similaritlor Dissimilarity of the Goods or Services.
`
`In the Office Action, it is asserted that some of the goods identified in the ‘667 Registration are
`
`not, in fact, directed to the colon. A search of the intemet reveals that the product offered by the owner
`
`of the ‘667 Registration is in actuality specifically directed to treating various problems associated with
`
`file://\\ticrs-ais-01\ticrsexport\HtmlToTiffInput\RFR000l2008_O6_1 l_1l_38_59_TTABO...
`
`6/ l 1/2008
`
`

`
`Request for Reconsideration after Final Action
`
`Page 14 of 19
`
`the colon. §e_e Exh. A. Further, such an assertion ignores that Registrant expressly states that it
`
`is a “specialty pharmaceutical company that aims to become a global leader in the market of optimized
`
`therapies for selected gastro-intestinal diseases.” §_e_e_ Exh. A, at p. 4. Similarly, Registrant states that
`
`one of its business fields is “[d]evelopment and commercialization of proprietary drugs, primarily
`
`focused on the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and colon infections.” S_ee_ Exh. A, at p. 5.
`
`As mentioned earlier, Applicant has thoroughly investigated and searched the intemet to find
`
`goods sold under the ‘667 Registration, including those allegedly not directed to the colon as asserted in
`
`the Office Action. Applicant has not been successful in finding any products under the mark “ZACOL
`
`NMX” which could be purchased. Rather, the only information Applicant is able to locate is provided
`
`in Exhibit A, which specifically and expressly states that the product sold by Registrant under its mark
`
`“ZACOL NMX” is directed to treating problems associated with the colon.
`
`§e_e Exh. A. The
`
`corporation’s materials state “The Company’s proprietary clinical development pipeline specifically
`
`addresses innovative treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, with the group’s lead product Lialda
`
`launched in the US market and Zacol NMX la

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket