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`1
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`UNITED STATES COURT OF
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`APPEALS FOR THE FEDERAL CIRCUIT
`
`MISSIONTREK LTD. CO.,
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`Appeilant/Petitioner,
`
`V.
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`ONFOLIO, INC,
`
`Appeilee/Respondent
`
`PETITION FOR REVIEW OF DECISION OF THE TRADEMARK TRIAL
`
`AND APPEALS BOARD IN CONSOLIDATED OPPOSITION NO.
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`91165315 AND CANCELLATION NO. 92044538
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`CORRECTED BRIEF
`
`OF APPELLANT, MISSIONTREK LTD. CO.
`
`Sherman D. Pemia, Ph.D., JD
`
`1110 NASA Parkway Suite 450
`Houston, Texas 77058-3346
`
`Phone: 28] -3330880
`
`Fax: 281 -333-9144
`
`Attorney for Petitioner
`
`April 25, .2006
`
`
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`2006-1271
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`'1
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`
`
`' UNITED STATES COURT OF
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`APPEALS FOR THE FEDERAL crncurr
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`
`
`MISSIONTREK LTD. CO.,
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`Appellant/Petitioner,
`
`V.
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`ONFOLIO, INC.,
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`Appellee/Respondent
`
`
`
`PETITION FOR REVIEW OF DECISION OF THE TRADEMARK TRIAL
`
`AND APPEALS BOARD IN CONSOLIDATED OPPOSITION NO.
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`91165315 AND CANCELLATION NO. 9204-4538
`
`
`
`CORRECTED BRIEF
`
`OF PETITIONER MISSIOI\’TREK LTD. CO.
`
`Sherman D. Pemia, Ph.D., ID
`
`1110 NASA Parkway Suite 450
`Houston, Texas 77058-3346
`
`Phone.‘ 281-333-0880
`Fax: 281-33 -9144
`
`Attorney for Petifioner
`
`April 2i 2006
`
`
`
`FORM 9. Certificate of lnteresi
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`Form 9
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`%.
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`UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THL FEDER.-tL CIRCUIT
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`
`
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`MISSIONTREK LTD: CO:v_ ONFOLIO;
`INC:
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`?\'o.2006~12‘71
`
`A
`3
`1
`
`3
`
`z 3
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`Counsel for the (petitioner) (appellant) (respondent) (appellee) (auxicus) (name of party)
`Appg] 1am;
`__ certifies the following (use “None" if applicable; use extra sheets
`if necessary):
`
`CERTIFICATE01?INIEREST
`
`l.
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`The full name of every parzy or amicus represented by me is
`
`
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`MESS IDNTREK LTD : CO 2
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`Tue name of the real party in interest (if the party named in the caption is not the real
`2.
`party in interest) represented by me is:
`
` 4m¢a<
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` aos§_ wu m»»».....-»..o....-....—...—.—...-...-...».
`Sherman D. Pernia » ««‘ 2“;<x w
`
`
`
`
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`All parent corporations and any publicly held companies that own ll} peicem or more
`3.
`of the stock of the party or amicus curiae represented by me are:
`NONE
`A,”
`
`
`
`4. Q There is no as eh corporaticn as listed in paragraph 3.
`5.
`The names of all ‘law firms and the partners or associates“ that appeared for the party I
`or amicus now represented by me in the trial court or agency or are expected to appear In thxs
`COLIIT ZICI
`
`
`2342:1122, 2006
`'-
`-
`.~»
`~/
`Signature of c unsel
`Date
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`Primed name of counsel
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`‘.31...
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`2006-1271
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`3
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`TABLE OF CONTENTS
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`Table of Authorities ........
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`....................
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`............... .. 4
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`Statement of Related Cases
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`.......................................... .. 6
`
`Jurisdictional Statement ...............
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`.............
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`Statement of the Issues ................
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`....................
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`6
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`6
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`Statement of theCase 7
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`VI.
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`Statement of the Facts .............................
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`............................ .. 7
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`VII.
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`Summary of the Argument.......................
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`.................. .. 8
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`. Argument & Statement of the Standard of Review ............
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`9
`
`Conclusion & Statement of Relief Sought
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`.......................... .. 15
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`Judgment, Order or Decision in Question .......................
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`16
`
`Proof of Service
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`......................
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`..........
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`..................
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`Annex
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`Certificate of Compliance....... ......
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`........................................ Annex
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`
`
`2006-1271
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`-'1
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`I. TABLE OF AUTHORITIES
`
`Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 255, 91 L. Ed. 2d 202, 216
`
`(1986) ..................................................................................................... ..p. 9
`
`AMF, Inc. v. Sleekcrafi Boats, 599 F.2d 341, 350 (9th Cir. 1979) ......... ..p. 10
`
`Bell v. Commercial Insurance Co., 3 Cir., 280 F.2d 514........................ ..p. 10
`
`Carlisle Chemical Works, Inc, Hardman & Holden, Ltd, 58 CCPA 751, 434
`
`F. 2d 1403, 168 USPQ 110 (1970) ......................................................... ..p. 10
`
`Conroy v. Reeboklnfl, Ltal, 14 F.3d 1570, 1575,29 USPQ2d 1373, 1377 (Fed.
`
`Cir. 1994) ............................... .; .......................................... ..p. 9
`
`Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 US. 317, 326 (1986) ........................ ..p. 14
`
`Clicks Billiards Inc. v. Sixshooters Inc, 251 F.3d 1251, 1265 (9"’ Cir. 2001)
`
`....................................................................................... ..p. 13
`
`Federal Practice & Procedure
`
`§
`
`2726,
`
`at
`
`446
`
`(3d
`
`ed.
`
`1998)
`
`............................................................................................................ ..p. 12
`
`In re Citizens Loan & Sav. C0,, 621 F.2d 911, 9913 (am Cir. 1980)
`
`(acknowledging that specific facts tending to discredit a key witness could
`
`create a genuine issue for trial). ............................................................. ..p. 12
`
`Lodge Music Hall, Inc. v. Waco Wrangler Club, Inc., 831 F.2d 77, 81 (5th Cir.
`
`1987) .................... .L ................................................................................ ..p. 12
`
`LoralFa1'rcl2z‘la.' Corp. v. Matsuslzita Elec Indus. Co., 266 F.3d 1358, 1363
`
`(Fed; Cir. 2001); see also Fed. R. Civ. P. 56 advisory cornm1'ttee’s note (1963
`
`Amendment) ........................................................................................... ..p. 13
`
`Minnesota Specialty Crops, Inc. v. Minn Wild Hockey Club, LP, Civ. No. 00-
`
`2317 (D. Minn. O7/26/O2) ....................................................................... ..p. 14
`
`Tzflany v. National Gypsum Co. , 59 CCPA 1063, 459 F. 2d 527, 173 USPQ 793
`
`(1972) ...................................................................................................... ..p. 10
`
`
`
`2006-1271
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`U:
`
`Type:-ight Keyboard Corporazion v. Microsoft Corporation, O3—1197,-
`
`1255 (Fed. Cir. July 6,2004)
`
`13
`
`Sartor
`
`v. Ark. Natural Gas Corp.,
`
`321 US. 620, 628-29 (1944)
`
`................................................................................................................ ..p. 1..
`
`
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`2006-1271
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`6
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`II. STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES UNDER RULE 47.5
`
`Attorney for Petitioner states that no other appeal in or from the same
`
`proceeding was previously before this Court. Further. no other case is known
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`to counsel to be pending in this or any other court that will directly affect or be
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`directly affected by this court’s decision in the pending appeal.
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`III. JURISDICTIONAL STATEMENT
`
`The Court has jurisdiction in this case under Title 15 U.S.C. §1071(a),
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`as the Court for appeal from a final decision of the Trademark Trial and
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`Appeals Board.
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`IV. STATEMENT OF THE ISSUES
`
`The issue is whether the Trademark Trial and Appeals Board (TTAB)
`
`erred in applying the law when it granted Appellee’s Motion for Summary
`Judgment. More specifically, did Appellant’s survey evidence raise a fact issue
`
`that preclude summary judgment, particularly at this point in the proceedings
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`prior to discovery having been allowed. Alternatively, does survey evidence
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`
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`2006-1271
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`7
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`supporting actual confusion trumps speculative assessments of no likelihood
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`of confusion so as to preclude granting of summary judgment. If either of the
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`above is so, the Court must reverse the decision on grant of summary judgment
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`and remand the case to the TTAB for further proceedings.
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`V. STATEMENT OF THE CASE
`
`In consolidated Opposition No. 91165315 and Cancellation No.
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`92044538, the TTAB granted Respondent’s Motion for Summary Judgment,
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`dismissing the case with prejudice.
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`VI. STATEMENT OF THE FACTS
`
`In consolidated Opposition No. 91165315 and Cancellation No.
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`92044538, Appellant/Petitioner is the senior user. Appellee/Respondent has
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`admitted the similarity/identity of the goods. Appellant has submitted evidence
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`of actual confusion by way of an informal survey. This survey indicated that
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`25% of those surveyed were confused as to the source of the goods.
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`Nevertheless, the TTAB dismissed such survey as not being “credible.” The
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`TTAB then applied the Du Porzr factors to determine that there is no likelihood
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`
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`2006-1271
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`8
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`of confusion. and then granted Appellee’s Motion for Summary Judgment,
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`dismissing the case with prejudice. Appellant filed a timely Notice of Appeal.
`
`and subsequently this Brief on Appeal.
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`VII. SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT
`
`The TTAB granted Appel1ee‘s Motion for Summary Judgment on the
`
`grounds that it appears there is no likelihood of confusion and because the
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`evidence of actual confusion proffered by Appellant was not “credible. ” Under
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`these facts, in which the similarity of the products is admitted and the Appellant
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`is the senior user and therefore entitled to deference on the issue of likelihood
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`of confusion. the case law of the Federal Circuit should be interpreted in favor
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`of Appellant. The case law at issue here is whether credibility of the evidence
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`of actual confusion is a proper grounds for granting summary judgment in favor
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`of Appeliee. Appellant asserts that such grounds are not sufficient under the
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`case law of the Federal Circuit. Consequently. the grant of summary judgment
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`should be reversed and the case remanded for further proceedings before the
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`TTAB.
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`
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`2006-1271
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`9
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`VIII. ARGUMENT AND STATEMENT OF THE STANDARD OF
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`REVIEW
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`A. Standard of Review
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`Appellant asserts that the TTAB erred in applying the law. The Federal
`
`Circuit reviews questions of law under the de novo standard of review. Conroy
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`v. Reebok Im’l, Ltd, 14 F.3d 1570, 1575, 29 USPQ2d 1373, 1377 (Fed. Cir.
`
`1 994}.
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`B. 7726 Trademark Trail andAppeals BoardErred z'nAccessz'ng the Elements
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`supporting a Grant of Summary Judgment
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`The TTAB granted Appellee’s Motion for Summary Judgment on the
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`grounds that it appears there is no likelihood of confusion and because the
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`evidence of actual. confusion proffered by Appellant did not raise an issue of
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`material fact. Under the facts of this case,
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`in which the similarity of the
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`products is admitted‘ and the Appellant is the senior user and therefore entitled
`
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`Registranfs admission as to the relatedness of the goods, and the fact
`‘
`that, in summary judgment, all legitimate factual inferences must be made in
`favor of the nonmovant, require the Board to consider that the products are
`as identical as asserted by the Petitioner. Anderson v. Libergz Lobby, Inc.,
`477 US. 242, 255, 91 L. Ed. 2d 202, 216 (1986) In this case. consequently,
`it must be inferred for the sake of this Motion of Summary Judgment that the
`allegations made by the Appellant are true, namely, that the products are not
`merely similar or related, but identical. Now, applying the rule that the more
`
`
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`20064271
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`10
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`to some deference on the issue of likelihood of confusion (as per the Newcomer
`
`Rulez), the case law of the Federal Circuit should be interpreted in favor of
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`Appellant. The case law at issue here is whether the methodology used in
`
`performing a preliminary survey of actual confusion is a proper grounds for
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`granting summary judgment in favor of Appellee. Appellant asserts that such
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`grounds are not sufficient under the case law of the Federal Circuit,
`
`in
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`particular, as supported in C, i, below. Consequently, the grant of summary '
`
`related the goods sold under the respective marks, the more likely that
`confusion may result, requires that the Court reverse the Board’s decision on
`Summary Judgment, because, given that the products are identical, and
`include more than one similarity in the trademark, there is more than a de
`minimus material. fact issue raised as to likelihood of confusion. AMF, Inc.
`v. Sleekcraft Boats, 599 F.2d 341. 350 (9th Cir. 1979).
`*
`Regarding the well-established Newcomer Rule, a newcomer or junior
`user should not be surprised when conflict arises with a senior user. “It is
`well-settled that one who adopts a mark similar to the mark of another for
`closely related goods acts at his peril and any doubt there might be must be
`resolved against him” Carlisle Chemical Works, Inc, Hardman & Holden,
`Ltd., 58 CCPA 751, 434 F. 2d 1403, 168 USPQ 110 (1970). See Tiffany 1:.
`Narional Gypsum Co., 59 CCPA 1063, 459 F. 2d 527, 173 USPQ 793
`(1972) (rule applies in opposition proceedings). Applying the Newcomer
`Rule here, where the goods are admittedly identical. a newcomer should be
`required to exercise extreme caution not to infringe the preexisting rights of
`principal competitors. This newcomer, Onfolio, has utterly failed at
`exercising reasonable care. Further, where copying is so obvious, copyright
`and patent infringement issues are raised which further aggravate the
`Appel1ee’s lack of good faith In addition, the determination of good faith is
`_ a fact issue which is material in this case as it will determine the standard of
`good faith here, namely, the efforts the newcomer must take in this case to
`avoid Appellant’s rights. Bell v. Commercial Insurance Co., 3 Cir., 280
`F.2d 514. Consequently, on this ground as well, the T'l‘AB’s holding must
`be reversed.
`
`
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`2006-1271
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`11.
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`judgment should be reversed and the case remanded for further proceedings
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`before the TTAB.
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`A second issue is Whether any survey evidence of actual confusion
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`trumps speculative assessments of likelihood of confusion so as to preclude
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`granting of summary judgment.
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`In section C, ii, below, it is clear that this is
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`indeed the case. Consequently, the Court should reverse the decision on grant
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`of summary judgment and remand the case to the TTAB for
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`further
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`proceedings.
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`C. Controlling Case Law in Support ofReversal
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`i. Credibilitv of Survev Evidence is Itself a Fact Issue that Precludes Surnmarv
`
`Judgment
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`In the T'I‘AB’s statement that “the survey does not raise a genuine issue
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`of material fact with respect to simiiarities of the parties’ respective marks”
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`nonetheless applies a factual inquiry reviewing the methodology applied to and
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`credibility of the survey which preclude the grant of summary judgment.
`
`In
`
`other words, summary judgment was improper because genuine issues remain
`
`as to the credibility of the evidence of actual confusion. Tyjuerigkt Keyboard
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`Corporation 12. Microsoft‘ Corporation, 03-1197, -1255 (Fed. Cir. July 6, 2004).
`
`
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`20064271
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`12
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`The TTAB points to a number of facts as supporting its doubts as to the
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`credib.i1.ifty of the proffered evidence. Under the facts of the instant case, in
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`whi.ch evidence of actual confusion is submitted, summary judgment. should not
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`have been granted. Summary judgment is not appropriate where the opposing
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`party offers specific facts that can into question the credibility of the mova.nt’s
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`witnesses. See Sartor 12. Ark. Nazura1Gas Corp, 321 as. 620., 628-29 (1944)
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`(reversing summary judgment where the oniy evidence it: support of the
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`mevanfs contention was the testimony of its experts and there were specific
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`bases for doubting the credibility _of that testimony); Charies Adan Wright et a1.,
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`Federal Practice & Procedure § 2726, at 446 (3d ed. 1998)
`
`(“ [Hf the
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`credibility of the movanfs witnesses is chalienged by the opposing party and
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`speeific bases fer possible impeachment are shown, surmnaryjudgtnentsh0u.1d
`be denied and the ease allowed to proceed to trial. . 3‘); see also Lodge Music
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`Hall, Inc. v. Waco Wrangler Club, 1:20., 831 F.2d 77, 81 (5th Cir. 1987)
`
`(“While the mere ciaim that an effrdavit is perjured is insufficient where
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`specific facts are alleged that if proven would cail the credibility of the moving
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`Aparty“‘s witness into doubt, summary judgment is improper.’’); In. re Cmlzerzs
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`Lean & Say. Can, 621 F.2d 911, 913 (8th Cir. 1980) {acknowiedging that
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`specific facts tending to discredit a key witness could create a genuine issue for
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`triai).
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`
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`2006-1271
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`13
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`Here, as in 7};peRight, one party pointed to specific facts that tend to
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`discredit the testimony of the other party’s witnesses. These facts create a
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`genuine issue as to the credibility of such witnesses. “The court may not assess
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`the credibility of testimony when granting summary judgment.” Loral
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`Fairchild Corp. v. Matsusitz'taE1ec. Indus. C0,, 266 F.3d 1358, 1363 (Fed. Cir.
`
`2001); see also Fed. R. Civ. P. 56 advisory committees note (1963
`
`Amendment) (“Where an "issue as to a material fact cannot be resolved without
`
`observation of the demeanor of witnesses in order to evaluate their credibility,
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`summary judgment is not appropriate”).
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`ii. Survey Evidence Trumps Speculative Assessments of Likelihood of
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`Confusion
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`Evidence of actual confusion. “constitutes persuasive proof that future
`
`confusion is likely.” Clicks Billiards Inc. v. Szlzcshooters Inc, 251 F.3d 1251,
`
`1265 (9"’ Cir. 2001). The 8”‘ Circuit District Court denied a moving party’s
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`motion for summary judgment because a consumer survey created an issue of
`material fact as to whether the non-moving party could prove a likelihood of
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`confusion. The likelihood-of-confusion test has six parts. The court found in the
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`' Registranfs favor on five of six of the test parts, including determining that the
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`two marks are not similar. Nevertheless, the court refused to enter summary
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`
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`2006-1271
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`14
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`judgment
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`in
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`the
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`regisrranfs favor
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`(emphasis
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`added)
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`because
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`the
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`Appellantfopposant had introduced a consumer survey as evidence of actual
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`confusion —-
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`the sixth part of the likelihood-of-confusion test. Mz‘rznesor‘a
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`Specialty Crops, Inc. v. Minn. Wfld Hockey Club, LP, Civ. No. 00-2317 (D.
`
`Minn. 0726102) (survey was sufficient {O survive summary judgment). Celazer
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`Corp. v. Cazrett, 477 U.S. 317, 326 (1986) (stating that summary judgment is
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`appropriate after adequate rimefor discovery and upon motion, against a party
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`who fails to make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element
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`essential to that party’s case).
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`By disregarding Appellant's evidence of actual confusion, the
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`denied the Appellant irnponant grounds for relief under the Federal Anti
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`Dilution Smtute. The grounds for relief are that there is actual evidence of
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`confusion which should trump any ad izoc interpretation of the Board that such
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`evidence should not be considered in a summary judgment hearing as being
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`without credibility.
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`Thus. it is clear that survey evidence is considered sufficient to survive
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`summary judgment. Appellant offered survey evidence of actual confusion
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`here. Consequently, granting Appellee’s Motion for Summary Judgment was
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`not proper and the decision should be reversed.
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`
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`20064271
`
`13
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`IX. CONCLUSION AND STATEMENT OF RELIEF SOUGHT
`
`The credibiiity of Appeliantfs survey data was a genuine issue of
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`material fact raised in the case. Because a genuine issue of material fact
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`remained in the case, granting of Appei3ee’s Motion for Summary Judgment by
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`the TTAB was not proper.
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`THEREFORE, Appellant hereby prays that
`
`the decision granting‘
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`Appeiiee’ Motion for Summary Judgment be reversed and the case be
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`remanded to the TTAB for fimher proceedings.
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`Appellant: MISSIONTREK LTD. CO.
`
`Date= By fiw:>@
`
`Sherman D. Pemia, Ph.D., JD
`
`Reg. No. 34,404
`Texas State Bar No. 24004856
`
`1110 NASA Parkway, Suite 450
`Houston, Texas 77058-3346
`Phone: 281-333-6880
`Fax: 281-333-9144
`
`'
`
`
`
`20064 271
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`X. JUDGMENT, ORDER OR DECISION IN QUESTION
`
`
`
`_
`
` THIS OPINION IS MDT CITABLE
`
`Ag gRECEDE;,;T 017
`THF T T 1 B
`‘“ “ “ ‘
`
`'
`
`9
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AN!) TRADE:VI.15.R§\’
`OFFICE
`Trademark Trial and Appeal Baard
`$3.0, Bax 1451
`#dexandfia,\UR22313~i£51
`
`;
`;
`g
`
`Butler
`
`Mailed: Rcvember 29, 2085
`
`0pposition.No. 91165315
`cancellation No. 92044538
`
`Missiontrek Ltd. Co.
`
`v.
`
`Onfolio,
`
`Inc.
`
`Before Eairstcn, Chapman ané Kuhlke, Administrative Trademark
`Judges.
`
`By the Board:
`In
`0
`Plainti f seeks to cancel defendant’s registra;ion of the
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`mark ORFOLEG far “computer software for capturing, arganizing and
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`sharing on~3ine csn:ent."‘ Plaintiff apgoses regiszratian of
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`dafandant’s mark shown bezow
`
` men
`
`
`also for “campater software far capturing, crganizing and sharing
`(J
`In M0£22:21£31»0':
`
`en—1ine cantsnt."
`
`3103
`
`Ht 0N
`
`~r1
`
`:3‘{D
`
`(“J9
`:3 3-3 it) 9. :5r1“ in
`
`‘U g..- {E} &3 (.4 .g, 9")
`
`aileges that defiendant’s marks, when used on the identified
`
`-
`
`
`
`
`d m wmber 23, 2094, claiming use ana
`3934952.
`3 R_g;:tra
`, 2993
`This regiscrazficn is the
`nae De
`use in cam:
`4338.
`‘atitzrs
`sabject
`2
`A -1
`.
`Q
`x
`’
`’
`o
`o
`,
`::-ea January 3%,
`1
`.=:p12:an3;n Sezza; No.
`
`?rademark Ac: §1{a}, claiming *** and use in cammarca
`2
`'0-
`DEE. This apgi cation is :he subject of 0ypcsi;-3u
`
`
`
`
`
`opposition Ho. 31165315 and Cancellation no. 92044538
`
`mark CARTAGIO as to be likely to cause confusion, mistake or to
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`deceive.
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`?2eintif‘
`
`H1
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`further alleges that its CARTAGEO mark is
`
`(0
`registered for “computer scftwaze, namely int rue: navigation
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`software,
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`that is,
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`internet srawsers; computer hardware in the
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`nature of database and Computer management equipment;
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`internet
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`research and cost accounting software; software E r hcsting
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`comguter servers, and user manuals sold as a unit.”3 More
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`particularly, plaintiff alleges that the marks are similar
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`because they both begin with round letters (“C“ and “O"); end in
`
`the same Zettexs “:3”; “have the same number of letters"; ane,
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`when spoken, have the same number of syllables and the same
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`accent.
`
`This case new comes up on éefendant'e nearly iéentical
`
`motions for summary judgment, filed in each aroceeéing on Julv S.
`-5
`I
`‘.1
`2005. Defendant's motions were i =ed prior to the due dates {or
`
`its answer in each case. Plaintiff filed nearly identical
`
`responses to she summary juégment motions, and defendant replied
`\-sci
`?*ereto in each case. Before 5 rning to the summary judgment
`
`metions,
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`the Eoard addresses some preliminary matters.
`
`The Board has reviewed bath of she ebeve~identified
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`proceedings and finds that consolidation is appropriate inasmuch
`
`as the two proceedings invokve ehe same parties and common
`
`euestione of law and fact. Consolidation may be ordered on the
`
`Board's own initiative.
`
`See Fed. R. Civ. 9. 4
`
`B1
`‘{3}; fiegatta
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` m
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`issued August 26, ETG3, enfi cleimzng use
`Registratian Na. 2755245.
`anfi use in cemmerce eince Segtembe: 15, bҤl.
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`
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`Ogpcsiticn Ho. 51165315 and Cancellation No. 92044538
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`Sports Ltd. v.
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`€32”
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`-Efioneer, 1ac., 28 US?Q2d 1154 {T133 1951);
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`Estate of Biro V; Sic Ccrp., 18 U$?Q2d 1382 {TTAB 1393}: an‘ TEE?
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`§S11 {Ed 25. rev. 2304}.
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`The Board may exercise its diszretion
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`an ordering ccnsaiiéation grior ac jcinéer 05 issue {i.e., before
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`an answer has been filed in each case).
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`see ?3M9 §511 (25 eg.
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`rev. 200%). Here we l‘iI
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`ind csnsolidation prior to joinfier of issue
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`ls approyriaze.
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`3»("J H0
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`mzngly. apposition 530. 31255315 arzci Cancellation >30.
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`9
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`92344538 are berabv ccnsolifiated and may be ovesaqzaé an age sane
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`records ané brieis.
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`?he recaré will be maintained in Gpscsition
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`fie. 91165315 as the “parent” case, but aii papers ‘fixed in fihgse
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`cases should include both proceeding numbers in tha ovdmr shnym
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`in :45 capaian of this consaiidateé case.
`
`ff
`Plain iff separately saughc co sgspend bath proceeiings
`pending disposi (‘F
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`{:4
`0. 92044855 between plaintifi hezain, as
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`ion cf a third-party cancellaaion praceefiing
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`petitioner, and Peaer Cordes, as éefenfian;§. Whig gagtev
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`proceeding involves a registration for :22 mark §2OVISO.
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`?lain:iif’s mation to suspexd, filed on Sepfiember 22, 2003 in
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`Cancellation No. §2044S38, was denied by eras: of the Board dateé
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`in denying the ma:;on, ~%a Board determined
`Segtemser 23, 2905.
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`Lfidt giaihtlzw “utterly za;l;e§3 ts iemonstrace znaz Can $225213:
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`‘£3 fiJ C3 sFS £3 00 In G»
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`as anvthiqg as éo with this proceediag, excapt that
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`petitiancr h*§§an5 to be invoiveé in both cases.”
`in
`in 2.}
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`the 9::
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`[H
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`'n
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`la;n:iff‘s assign ts suspené, Eilafi an
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`23 (1)
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`I 24
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`{Emphasis *9
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`l1)
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`
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`opposition No. 322553 5 and Cancellatian Ea. 92044538
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`2005 in Gppesizion No. 91155315 is hereby denied for the same
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`XE.’ 8.39318 .
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`For p“rpoees of its summary judgment motions,
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`4 defendant
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`cencedes the relatedness.of the parties‘ respective goads.
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`Defendant clarifies that it seeks judgment in its favor as a
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`matter of law on the premise that the invclved marks are ac
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`dissimilar that there is no likelihood of confusion.
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`in euyport of its motion, defendant argues that as genuine
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`issues of material fact exist as to Zikelihoed of confusion
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`becauee the marks are comp}eteEy distinct in sound, appearance,
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`connotation, and commercial
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`impression; and that tee
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`dissi.ilerity of the marks so outwei he the usher 8u?ont feczcrsi
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`that it is dispesitive. Defendant argues that the invclved marks
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`do not, as plaintiff alleges, have the same number of letters;
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`that the only common element in the garties’ respective marks is
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`the suffix “:0,” which is an crdinary English language suffix
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`fsund in numerous registered marks for hardware eed software;
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`that such suffix is derived from Latin, a constituent language 0:
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`.nglish; and that “I0” is “added to the stem of
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`the perfect
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`passive participle 95 a verb to create a verbal noun indicating
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`an action." Defendant contends the: tee marge, when spoken, are
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`signfificantly éiffer
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`(3
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`at in sronunciation and,
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`thus. do eat soune
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`alike or even similar. Defendant argues that the rec: terms 35
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`
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`‘ The summary juégmen: motions may be referred is in the singular,
`'§.“'§-;
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`sh
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`#31 N CL
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`177 USPQ 563
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`See Tn ze E.
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`1:2
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`I. L; ;Cu$ de Nemeure & Cc.,
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`03>
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`
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`Opgosicica KG. 9ll553lS and Cancellation No. 92044538
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`x
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`each @arty’e marks differ, with plaintifif aamitzing,
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`in response
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`to the Examining Ae:crney’s inquig’ as to any meaning of the term
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`aramiaezo {at
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`the time that pleaded Registration 224;. 2755245 was
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`Qending as an a_§EicatiGn}.
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`that ahere is no traneietian sfi
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`the
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`term ané that “W CAR”AGIG has no knewn meaning, ether than izs
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`being similar to an old Latin name of the city ef Carthage.
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`Tunisia.” Eefenfient contenés that the rec: cf its marks. FOLIO,
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`on the ether heme, means 5a leaf oi pager m,a 1eaf~number of e
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`bank, a sheet sf paper foiéed ence, making twa Zeavee of a.book,
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`{or} a book meée of such sheets." Thus, because the marks
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`suggest fiifferent meanings, éeienéent argues that the marks have
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`different cammercial
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`impressions, arguing further that its
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`ONFGLEO marks are likeiy to be eeea as a variant cf the term
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`“partfolic.” Defenéant also paints out that the éesign element
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`f ane if its marks further supports the visual fiiesimilarities
`V"
`n
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`between §laintiz§’s mark aed defies
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`in
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`("YT.
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`Defenée2t’s moaien is accomgenied by excerp
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`'3 QNFGLIS ené éeefign mark.
`I
`,.
`.5 item ex 3F‘0-1
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`line dictienary definition of :he suffix “i0”; e Eisting from
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`Thcmeon Cempuwerk ef ragiszretians and peading applications 9
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`I-n
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`me-ks containirg term
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`U1
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`.5
`5; 3111'}.
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`(I)
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`in “is”; US?T0's TARR printouts of
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`registered marks caataini g terms ending in “i0”; a cagy sf
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`p1ain:iff’e reepcnse to the Examining At:erney’e inquiry as to
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`whecher CA ?AGIO has any translation or meaning; ené a dictionary
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`eefiniticn of the term “fclio.”
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`iii
`in r eponse. giaintiff argues that actual csnfusisn exists
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`based an a survey it canducted which éemonetrated that
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`“M 25% cf
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`U”!
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`Opgcsiticn No. 91155315 and Cancellation No. 32044538
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`the respanéents ieflicated abet the grcéuct names are 23 similar
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`that it is likeiy that the products come Exam the same ssurce";
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`and she: defendant's moticn must fail because defendant die net
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`“M identify the elements of its adversary's case with :-spect to
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`which i: ceneiéers there to be a deficiency of preci." Plaintiff
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`further cnntenés that the marks, when wrizten,
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`lcok eimizar
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`.because the beginning and.ending letters are reund {Cifl vs. O/O§;
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`that when spekee alend,
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`the accents on the wares are similar; and
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`that, when writien ia lower case,
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`“M there are tws letters in the
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`middle goztien cf aha marks having appendages that extend beycnd
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`the normal limits of a lower—case Eetter. namely the ? aeé G of
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`Carzegio, and the F ane L ef Onfeiis.” Qlainziffi argues that its
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`mark is well-established, zheugh it states 1: dees act knew
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`whether its mark is iamous; and teat de
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`I‘?!
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`endant
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`i
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`U}
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`at
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`he junior
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`bus
`veer, who eéagzed a similar mark fer closely rezated geeés and
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`so.
`fiid net exercise gscd faizh in avoiding the rights of ethera,
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`garticulariy its campetitare' gre~exie:ing grnducte.§
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`P1a£mti§f’s reepeaee is eccomgegied by the declarative of its
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`directar concerning the survey conducted and a cegy of the survey
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`inquiry sent as the recipients by emaél.
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`2% reply, defendant argues that it éid gresent adequately
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`the eiemente forming the basis at its summary fiudgmeet motion;
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`5 Plaintiff, at page S of its resyonse to defen5ant‘s maeian for
`summary juégmenz, requests discovery.
`Te the extent,
`:5 an . aha:
`Q‘
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`-
`niaintiif seeks discovery nursuaa; ac Fed. R. Civ. ?. Séif}
`ff resnonded on ale merizs to
`request is éenied inaemuch as plainti
`@
`defendent’s mutien for summary judgment.
`See E92 C*u2dwe21 Jewe’:v,
`Inc‘ v. Cicsbesline Cietbes, 255., 63 US?Q2d 2359 i.?A8 2§0“2.
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`6
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`
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`Gppositioa No. 91155315 and cancellation No. 92044538
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`and that plaintiff's arguments concerniug the similarities ef tne
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`varks are “peculiar” and without suppart.
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`aefendant ccntends
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`that plaintiff's survey is not entitied to any consideration
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`because it is inaxgert and biased in fiesign and a‘ inistration;
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`it fails to specify or provide any information regarding the
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`respondeats; it fails to proviée the actuai respanses:
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`it fails
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`to approximate actual market fionéitions; it fails :9 present
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`ée£endaat's design mark; and it makes leading inquiries.
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`in a_mo;ion for summary jufigment,
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`the maving party has the
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`burden of establishing the ahseace sf any genuine issues of
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`material fact and that it is entitled to judgmes: as a matter oi
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`law.
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`See Fed. R. Civ. 9. Séic}. A.genuine issue with res§ec£ to
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`materiaz fact exists if sufficient eviéence is presented that a
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`reasanable fact finéer ccald decide the question in favor of the
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`flan-moving party.
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`see Opryland fifié Inc. V. Greaz American fiuséc
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`Show, £flC., 9?& F.2d 84?, 23'3S?Q2§ 3471 (363. Cir. 1992?. Thus;
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`ali éoubta as to wfiather any factuaz issues are genuinely in
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`dispute must be resolvefi against aha moving party and 3%:
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`inferences must be viewed in the light mast favcrabie to the man-
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`moving party.
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`See fizda Tyme Foods Inc. v. Rou2dy's Inc., $61
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`F.2d 260, 22 US?Q23 1542 (Fee. Ci
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`. 19§2§.
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`En the grgsent case,
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`the Beard finds aha: iefiendant has
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`established the absence of any genuine issue cf materiaé fact anfi
`I
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`,4.. In m f3 «'1 fox!o rt N (3! $2.
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`0 \..J 5 £3.£1}
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`£11: m in H11: 1*: (‘T (11 H (7 Y"!
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`Ksederer 5.a. V. Eeiicazo Viaeyards; 145 F.3d 23?}, é. USPQ2§
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`?
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`uppcsztzon Kc. 91155315 and Cancellaticn Ne. 92844538
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`;..: ~98 ‘J1 an *3(3F11
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`(7 pa. '1
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`1998) and Ké2}o_g Co. V.
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`;ack’em Enterprises,
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`Enc.,
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`14 USPQ2d 1545 {TTAB i999§, a§§‘d,
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`95 ‘..)
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`:11 h w or III)
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`M |----'
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`C2}C!) m0 Ix)0,
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`2.1.22 £?e:i. Cir". 2992;.
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`in that the single Z3ui3o.2t zacmx of me
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`dissimilarity of the marks in their cnzireties substantially
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`outweighs any other relevant factcrs ané is éispasitive of the
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`issue of iikeiihoaé of canfusion.
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`Moreaver, we find that plaintiff's survey does not raise a
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`genuine issue 55 material fact with respect
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`to the similariti
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`R1 8
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`0:
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`the parties’ respective marks. Accoxding he the statememt of
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`§laintiff’s diraczor, ha:
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`M prepareé an email su.7ey of 42 persons who had recently
`éawnloaded aux CARTAGZO safcwara and whe ozherwise were
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`iée ?e:it:oner wiah am objective
`z
`-cpinian on the issue at Zikelihooé cf ccnfusion.
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`Cf the 42 ew“i}s sent, 8 respcnses to the quasticn were
`receivefi. Of zhese 8 responses,
`two indicated actual
`coafusion and six indicated no confusion.
`05 those that
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`indicated actual confusion, one is a manager of a software
`sales comgany and may have already known abou: O§FOLID, so.
`perhags, his respanse indicating no confusion can be
`igncred.
`in any casa, still counting this one likely
`invalid respcnse, a full 25% of those surveyed indicated
`confusion.
`{Emphasis in the arigina1.3
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`?he inquiry sent by p}aintiff’s directar, asks :
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`b
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`fclicwlng:
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`with iessact to a racentiy released saline
`research/kncwieége management prséuct, calleé SEFGLZO, which
`cf the below atatements is most likely to be true?
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`a. Becausa the product names are similar, QKFGLEO is
`lzkely a licensee of Missiantrek,
`the developer sf
`CAR?A$E0.
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`b. Because the profiuct names are similar, Q%§Q:EG is
`“
`a
`.uct of Missioacrek, aéagaed for a
`rket.
`at all.
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`c
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`‘
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`‘hi? between the §rsdu-:s
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`
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`-here 25
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`8
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`
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`epposizica.Ro. 91265315 and cancellation No. 92Qێ533
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`that indicated they may be
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`The number of respondents {2}
`(10L1 I~l: C’ (II (I) filo ¢
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`is-é~vis the number of acknowledged inqui
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`ries sent
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`(423
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`mathamatirally ices net amount ta ta inflatefi gercantage
`,.
`calculated by plaintiff {2S%§ 0‘ re5panflents passi