throbber
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Electronic Filing System. https://estta.uspto.gov
`ESTTA1294118
`06/28/2023
`
`ESTTA Tracking number:
`
`Filing date:
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`Notice of Opposition
`
`Notice is hereby given that the following party opposes registration of the indicated application.
`
`Opposer information
`
`Name
`
`Entity
`
`Address
`
`Chinonso Okehie
`
`Individual
`
`423 EAST 83RD STREET
`#1G
`NEW YORK, NY 10028
`UNITED STATES
`
`Citizenship
`
`UNITED STATES
`
`Attorney informa-
`tion
`
`MICHAEL B. BRESSMAN, TMCP-VAN
`VANDERBILT LEGAL CLINIC
`131 21ST AVENUE SOUTH
`NASHVILLE, TN 37203
`UNITED STATES
`Primary email: trademarks@vanderbilt.edu
`615-322-4964
`
`Docket no.
`
`Applicant information
`
`Application no.
`
`97077881
`
`Opposition filing
`date
`
`Applicant
`
`06/28/2023
`
`Publication date
`
`06/13/2023
`
`Opposition period
`ends
`
`07/13/2023
`
`Tea Bags, Etc., LLC
`140 DE KRUIF PLACE APT 14B
`BRONX, NY 10475
`UNITED STATES
`
`Goods/services affected by opposition
`
`Class 030. First Use: None First Use In Commerce: None
`All goods and services in the class are opposed, namely: Cocoa; Honey; Tea; Cocoa-based bever-
`ages; Sugar and sugar substitutes; Tea extracts; Tea for infusions; Tea pods; Tea substitutes; Tea-
`based beverages; Coffee, tea, cocoa and artificial coffee
`
`Class 035. First Use: None First Use In Commerce: None
`Opposed goods and services in the class: Retail store services featuring tea, cocoa, tea- related
`electric and non-electric appliances, tea accessories, herbs and spices, glassware, apparel
`
`Grounds for opposition
`
`Priority and likelihood of confusion
`
`Trademark Act Section 2(d)
`
`Mark cited by opposer as basis for opposition
`
`U.S. application
`no.
`
`97100898
`
`Application date
`
`10/30/2021
`
`

`

`Registration date
`
`NONE
`
`Foreign priority
`date
`
`NONE
`
`Word mark
`
`Design mark
`
`Description of
`mark
`
`Goods/services
`
`NONE
`
`The mark consists of African woman with a bold headdress. The headdress is
`designed with beads and jewelries. The woman is holding a tea cup with liquid
`inside and vapors in the form of tea leaves. The woman is also wearing earrings
`and a bracelet.
`
`Class 030. First use: First Use: Sep 1, 2019 First Use In Commerce: Sep 1,
`2019
`Coffee and tea
`
`Attachments
`
`Chixotic Petition with Exhibits FINAL 6-28-2023 BW.pdf(1763429 bytes )
`
`Signature
`
`/Michael B. Bressman/
`
`Name
`
`Date
`
`Michael B. Bressman, TMCP-VAN
`
`06/28/2023
`
`

`

`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`CHINONSO OKEHIE d/b/a
`CHIXOTIC,
`
`
`
`v.
`
`TEA BAGS, ETC., LLC,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Opposer,
`
`Applicant.
`
`
`
`
`Opposition No.
`Serial No. 97077881
`Mark: SIBAHLE TEAS and Design
`
`
`
`
`
`
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NOTICE OF OPPOSITION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Opposer, CHINONSO OKEHIE d/b/a CHIXOTIC (“Opposer”), believes that
`
`she will be damaged by the registration of the mark that is the subject of
`
`application Serial No. 97077881. On October 15, 2021, Applicant, Tea Bags, Etc.,
`
`LLC (“Applicant”), filed the application, which was published in the Official Gazette
`
`on June 13, 2023. Opposer hereby opposes registration of Applicant’s Mark (defined
`
`below).
`
`As grounds in support of its opposition, Opposer asserts the following:
`
`1.
`
`Opposer is located at 423 East 83rd Street, #1G, New York, New York
`
`10028, and operates a business under the name Chixotic.
`
`2.
`
`Opposer learned about tea growing and made connections with tea
`
`farmers during a trip to Kenya in 2017.
`
`

`

`3.
`
`Since at least as early as September 2019, Opposer has offered and
`
`sold tea, whole leaf tea, and loose leaf tea (“Opposer’s Goods”). Opposer sells
`
`Opposer’s Goods through her own website (www.chixotic.com), Amazon, Etsy, and
`
`other shopping websites. See, e.g., Ex. 1. Opposer also sells Opposer’s Goods directly
`
`to consumers at festivals, expos, and markets.
`
`4.
`
`Opposer owns and uses the following design mark (“Opposer’s Mark”)
`
`with the sale in commerce of Opposer’s Goods:
`
`5.
`
`Opposer has continuously used Opposer’s Mark in commerce with
`
`Opposer’s Goods since at least as early as September 2019.
`
`6.
`
`Applicant is a New York limited liability company that was legally
`
`formed in March 2020. Applicant’s owner is Regina Brewton-Smith.
`
`7.
`
`In July 2021, Brewton-Smith contacted Opposer to learn about
`
`Opposer’s experiences in the tea industry. See Ex. 2 (phone numbers redacted).
`
`Brewton-Smith had seen an interview on YouTube that Opposer conducted with the
`
`Brand Ambassador Select Podcast.
`
`2
`
`

`

`8.
`
`When Brewton-Smith contacted Opposer in July 2021, Applicant had
`
`not yet used Applicant’s Mark or sold any tea. When Applicant initially launched its
`
`tea business, it called its business Brewteaful Queen.
`
`9.
`
`Beginning in July 2021, Brewton-Smith and Opposer had phone
`
`conversations during which they discussed Opposer’s sourcing and packaging of tea
`
`products, challenges that the Opposer had faced in starting her business, and
`
`information about Opposer’s network.
`
`10. During a phone conversation on October 29, 2021, Brewton-Smith
`
`informed Opposer that she had a new logo for Applicant’s business. After the phone
`
`call, Brewton-Smith sent Opposer a message with the following image of Applicant’s
`
`logo:
`
`
`
`See Ex. 2. Opposer responded to Applicant on the same day via direct message that
`
`their respective logos are “very similar” and that Applicant should change her logo
`
`because Applicant’s logo “looks too similar to [Opposer’s] and we are in the same
`
`line of business.” See id.
`
`11. Unbeknownst to Opposer, on October 15, 2021, Applicant had already
`
`filed application Serial No. 97077881 under 15 U.S.C. § 1051(b) for the following
`
`mark (“Applicant’s Mark”):
`
`
`
`3
`
`

`

`The application sought registration of Applicant’s Mark for intended use with the
`
`sale of goods in International Class 030 that included tea and coffee, and with retail
`
`sales services in International Class 035 that featured tea among other items
`
`(collectively, “Applicant’s Goods”).
`
`12.
`
`Having received no reply from Applicant related to her concerns, on
`
`October 30, 2021, Opposer filed application Serial No. 97100898 under 15 U.S.C. §
`
`1051(a) for registration of Opposer’s Mark for use with the sale of goods in
`
`International Class 030 that included teas.
`
`13.
`
`Despite Opposer’s expressed concerns and Applicant’s knowledge of
`
`Opposer’s Mark, Applicant moved forward with using Applicant’s Mark with its
`
`business. Brewton-Smith finally responded to Opposer’s concerns on November 21,
`
`2021, via direct message, declining to stop using the logo because of costs, but
`
`stating that Applicant “made edits to [Applicant’s] main social media pages.” See
`
`Ex. 2.
`
`14.
`
`On information and belief, Applicant first used Applicant’s Mark in
`
`commerce with Applicant’s Goods in November 2021.
`
`15.
`
`On August 9, 2022, the USPTO issued an office action to Opposer,
`
`informing Opposer that Applicant’s application, Serial No. 97077881, is a prior
`
`4
`
`

`

`pending application that may bar registration of Opposer’s Mark under 15 U.S.C. §
`
`1052(d). On August 15, 2022, the USPTO suspended Opposer’s application to
`
`register Opposer’s Mark, citing Section 2(d) because of a likelihood of confusion with
`
`Applicant’s Mark, until Applicant either abandons its mark or Applicant’s Mark
`
`registers.
`
`16.
`
`The dates of first use and first use in commerce of Opposer’s Mark with
`
`Opposer’s Goods precede the first use or constructive filing date for Applicant’s
`
`Mark with Applicant’s Goods.
`
`17.
`
`Applicant had actual knowledge of Opposer’s Mark and its use with
`
`Opposer’s Goods before Applicant filed application Serial No. 97077881 with the
`
`USPTO.
`
`18.
`
`Applicant had actual knowledge of Opposer’s Mark and its use with
`
`Opposer’s Goods before Applicant used Applicant’s Mark with Applicant’s Goods.
`
`19.
`
`Opposer’s Mark has priority over Applicant’s Mark based on the date
`
`of Opposer’s first use in commerce of Opposer’s Mark with Opposer’s Goods.
`
`20.
`
`Applicant’s Mark is nearly identical visually with Opposer’s Mark.
`
`21.
`
`Applicant’s Mark creates a nearly identical commercial impression
`
`with Opposer’s Mark.
`
`22.
`
`Applicant’s Goods are identical or closely related to Opposer’s Goods.
`
`23.
`
`Applicant and Opposer each has its principal place of business in the
`
`New York City metropolitan area.
`
`5
`
`

`

`24.
`
`Applicant sells Applicant’s Goods through the same or substantially
`
`similar trade channels as Opposer sells Opposer’s Goods.
`
`25.
`
`Applicant’s Mark is likely to cause confusion with Opposer’s Mark,
`
`cause mistake with Opposer’s Mark, or deceive the public.
`
`26.
`
`If Applicant is allowed to register Applicant’s Mark, Opposer would be
`
`damaged within the meaning of 15 U.S.C. § 1063. Therefore, the USPTO should
`
`refuse registration of Applicant’s Mark.
`
`WHEREFORE, Opposer requests that this Notice of Opposition be sustained
`
`and that registration of Applicant’s Mark, Serial No. 97077881, be refused.
`
`Respectfully Submitted,
`
`Dated: June 2(cid:27), 2023
`
`Michael B. Bressman. TMCP-VAN
`VANDERBILT LEGAL CLINIC
`131 21St Avenue South
`Nashville, TN 37203
`Phone: (615) 322-4964
`Email: trademarks@vanderbilt.edu
`
`Attorneys for Opposer,
`Chinonso Okehie d/b/a Chixotic
`
`6
`
`

`

`EXHIBIT 1
`EXHIBIT 1
`
`

`

`6/27/23, 11:23 AM
`
`Home - Chixotic Tea
`
`FREE US SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $25
`
`
`
`HOME OUR STORY
`
`SHOP
`
`SOCIAL IMPACT
`
`LETS TALK TEA ACCOUNT
`
`WHERE TO BUY
`
`CONTACT US
`
`100% ALL-NAT
`
`No Arti(cid:237)cial Flavors, Colors or Pre
`
`SHOP NOW
`
`https://chixotic.com
`
`
`
`1/5
`
`

`

`6/27/23, 11:23 AM
`
`Home - Chixotic Tea
`
`PPuurrpple e iiss tthhee NNewew GGrreeneen
`
`Purple tea is a varietal of the camellia sinensis tea plant, which is the same plant from which black, green and oolong teas
`
`are produced. Purple tea has been shown to only flourish in the highlands of Mount Kenya due to the country’s unique
`
`tropical climate and high elevations, which simultaneously trigger the production of anthocyanins to protect the plants from
`
`ultraviolet radiation.
`
`Purple tea contains anthocyanins which are powerful antioxidants naturally found in dark red to purplish-blue fruits and
`
`vegetables including berries, acai and eggplants. Research studies have shown that anthocyanins found in purple tea leaves
`
`may offer protection against a myriad of chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart diseases and neurodegenerative
`
`diseases. Purple tea has almost twice the amount of antioxidants as green teas with a more delicate taste and lower caffeine
`
`content.
`
`Why Chixotic Purple Tranquilitea?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Premium Quality Whole tea leaves
`
`Sustainably and Organically Grown by Small-Scale Farmers
`
`Anti-Viral | Anti-Inflammatory | Anti-Aging
`
`High Antioxidants
`
`Low Caffeine
`
`https://chixotic.com
`
`
`
`2/5
`
`

`

`6/27/23, 11:23 AM
`
`Home - Chixotic Tea
`
`B U Y N O W
`
`https://chixotic.com
`
`
`
`3/5
`
`

`

`6/27/23, 11:23 AM
`
`Home - Chixotic Tea
`
`HOW WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR
`TEA?
`
`By chixotic
`
`CALM-ALERT
`
`By chixotic
`
`GIMME SOME SUGAR
`
`By chixotic
`
`
`
`PuPuPuPuPuPuPuPuP rprprprprprprppleleleeleleleee TTTTTTTTTrrrrrrranananananananququququququququililililililiTiTiTiTiTiTTTeaeaeaeaeaeaeaePurple TranquiliTea
`
`C O N N E C T W I T H U S
`
`
`
`© Copyright by Chixotic All right reserved | Contact Us | Return Policy | Privacy Policy
`
`
`
`ChChiixxoottiicc TTeeTTT aa
`
`https://chixotic.com
`
`
`
`4/5
`
`

`

`6/27/23, 11:20 AM
`
`Purple Tranquilitea - Whole Leaf Purple Tea from Kenya - Chixotic Tea
`
`Please Contact Us for Wholesale Purchase
`
`
`
`HOME OUR STORY
`
`SHOP
`
`SOCIAL IMPACT
`
`LETS TALK TEA ACCOUNT
`
`WHERE TO BUY
`
`CONTACT US
`
`Home
`
`
`
`Chixotic Tea
`
`
`
`Purple Tranquilitea – Whole Leaf Purple Tea from Kenya
`
`PurpPurplle Te Tranranquilitquiliteea – Wha – Whoolle Le Leeafaf
`
`
`PurpPurplle Te Teea Fa Frrom Kom Kenenyynnn aa
`
`(11 customer reviews)
`
`$9.95 – $16.95
`
`https://chixotic.com/product/chixotic-purple-tranquilitea/
`
`1/3
`
`

`

`6/27/23, 11:20 AM
`
`Purple Tranquilitea - Whole Leaf Purple Tea from Kenya - Chixotic Tea
`
`Kenyan Whole Leaf Purple Tea
`
`
`
`TypeType
`
`Roasted
`
`SizeSize
`
`60g
`
`
`
`$$19.9519 95
`
`
`
`$$16.9516.95
`
`ADD TO CART
`
`97 in stock
`
`-+
`
`1
`
`SKU: N/A Category: Chixotic Tea Tags: high tea, Loose leaf tea, low caffeine tea, purple tea, roasted tea, steamed tea, tea, tea
`
`gift, wellness tea
`
`Description
`
`Additional information
`
`Reviews (11)
`
`Product Description
`
`
`
`Product DescriptionProduct Description
`
`Purple Tranquilitea is a premium Kenyan Whole Leaf Purple Tea with a light, floral flavor and low caffeine. This tea
`
`originates from the camellia sinensis tea plant, the same plant from which black, green and oolong teas are produced. Unlike
`
`other types of tea, however, the leaves of this new varietal (camellia sinensis var assamica) are purple as they are grown in
`
`extremely high elevations of 7000+ feet and unique climate conditions in the highlands of Mount Kenya. The exposure to
`
`sunlight causes the tea plants to produce very high levels of anthocyanin (antioxidant) which protects the leaves against UV
`
`radiation and pest, thus eliminating the need for pesticides or chemicals.
`
`Purple tea is widely known for its high level of anthocyanins, which is the same super-antioxidant found in purple fruits and
`
`vegetables like blueberries, eggplant, and purple grapes. In fact, a cup of purple tea contains 15x the amount of anthocyanins
`
`as a cup of blueberries. Purple contains almost twice as much antioxidants as green or black tea and is the only tea that
`
`contains GHG, a polyphenol that supports healthy weight management by inhibiting the digestion of fatty acid.
`
`Brewing Instructions: Add 2 teaspoons of tea to boiled water and steep for 3-5 minutes. Add a squeeze of lemon to your
`
`brew and watch your tea turn a beautiful pinkish-purple color
`
`Ingredients: 100% Purple Tea
`
`
`
`RELATED PRODUCTSRELATED PRODUCTS
`
`Chixotic Gourmet Tea
`Collection
`
`$49.99
`
`https://chixotic.com/product/chixotic-purple-tranquilitea/
`
`2/3
`
`

`

`6/27/23, 11:20 AM
`
`Purple Tranquilitea - Whole Leaf Purple Tea from Kenya - Chixotic Tea
`
`YYOOUU MMAAYY AALSOLSO LLIKKE…E…
`
`Sale!
`
`Sale!
`
`
`
`Golden BeauTea – Loose
`Leaf Black Tea with
`Cinnamon
`
`Black MajesTea –
`Premium Whole Leaf
`Black Tea
`
`
`
`$$10.9510 95
`
`$9.50
`
`$$9.959 95
`
`$8.95
`
`C O N N E C T W I T H U S
`
`
`
`© Copyright by Chixotic All right reserved | Contact Us | Return Policy | Privacy Policy
`
`
`
`ChChiixxoottiicc TTeeTTT aa
`
`https://chixotic.com/product/chixotic-purple-tranquilitea/
`
`3/3
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`EXHIBIT 2
`EXHIBIT 2
`
`
`
`

`

`Q Search
`
`AaeBOO®
`
`@ Sibahle Teas
`
`@
`
`July 21, 2021 10:48 pm
`
`Just watched the you tube of
`you on brand ambassadors.
`Congrats. Great showing. | saw
`the number pop up, are you
`here in NY? Would love to chat.
`lam in NY. This has been a
`process getting up and
`running. Maybe we can trade
`war Stories. All the best.
`ES Regina.
`Regina@brewteafulqueen.com
`
`July 22, 2021 10:36 am
`
`Hi Regina, hope you're well
`and thanks for watching the
`podcast'¢>| hear you.. its very
`tough but we gotta keep
`pushing. | live in NY as well and
`happy to chat. Lookslike
`you're an African tea
`connoisseur <Do you also
`sell?
`Best,
`Chi
`Chixotictea@gmail.com
`
`Mo
`
`

`

`Sibahle Teas
`
`its my intention. I'm working on
`branding, logo, website,
`launch. All things to get ready
`to be a boss in this game. |
`have been in the overthinking
`space for too long. Hopeful to
`get this thing going in the next
`few months. Thanks for
`sharing your contact. How
`about a Friday eve chat?
`
`Ok. Will call between 7-8.
`
`Hope that works. Chat then.
`
`ASCBOO:
`
`
`
`| was in the overthinking space
`for years &. Sure, I'm available
`Friday eve
`
`That works!
`
`A,
`
`

`

`Q Search
`
`i @
`
`@® Oo ®
`
`7;
`
`!
`
`@ Sibahle Teas
`
`July 24, 2027 2:33 pm
`
`@
`
`| have an idea on how we may
`collaborate on something.
`Let's chat aboutstarting a
`digital presence that can
`benefit us both. Let's talk tea
`on a video/audio platform. You
`tube or a podcast where we
`can talk about african teas.
`What do you think. We can
`take our time to map and plan
`it out. Maybe to qolive early
`spring after the wedding. What
`
`g do you think.
`
`July 25, 2027449 pm
`
`Yes! | love the idea. | actually
`have thought about doing
`somethinglike that but
`couldn't think of who to do it
`with so this would be perfect.
`I'll start putting some thoughts
`on paper and maybe we can
`chat again after | get back
`from Italy?
`
`lulv FA A027 TET om
`
`

`

`Q Search
`
`fr @ ®O ®
`
`@ Sibahle Teas
`
`G@)
`
`July 25, 2021 11:11 pm
`
`@ Sure deal. Safe travels.
`
`October 22, 2021 8:10 pm
`
`Hey when you have a moment
`can you reach out. My cell
`
`Q again is
`
`October 29, 2021 5:35 pm
`
`thanksforthe call, here is the
`inspiration picture
`{"A?":"B""a":5,"d":"B","h":"ww
`w.canva.com","c":"DAEq25Qtu
`Cs","i":"WL5V_uZKaDiL9ou3i3
`hXSA","b":1635543219864,"A"
`
`[{"A2":"1","A":108,"B":149.5444
`3295353423,"D":398.769816
`8978565,"C":667.3971830926
`469,"a":{"B"{"A":
`{"A":"MAEq5br8FVw","B":1},"B
`
`{"D":398.7698168978565,"C":
`667.3971830926469}}}}],"B":1
`
`© Messacqe...
`
`CA Q
`
`

`

`Q Search
`
`mM @
`
`@) e g
`
`@ Sibahle Teas
`
`@
`
`that didn't work
`
`and the logo image
`
`an
`
`© Message...
`
`tA CO
`
`

`

`Q. Search
`
`in @
`
`® oO ®
`
`©) Sibahle Teas
`
`G@)
`
`October 79, 2021 8:27 pm
`
`Wowthis is very similar to my
`logo
`
`| would suggest that you
`change yourlogo. It looks too
`similar to mine and we are in
`the sameline of business
`
`November 21, 2021 3:36 pm
`
`| wanted to advise you that I
`have invested in a new logo
`image. | had begun using the
`image so someareas won't be
`possible to pull back, but |
`have made edits to my main
`social media pages. This was a
`costly expense.
`
`Gr
`
`© Message...
`
`CA QO
`
`

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