PROVISIONAL REFUSAL OF PROTECTION
`
`The table below presents the data as entered.
`
`Input Field
`
`IDENTIFICATION SECTION
`
`INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
`
`1065420
`
`OFFICE REFERENCE
`
`ORIGINAL LANGUAGE CODE
`
`FILE SECTION
`
`79169945
`
`ENGLISH
`
`Entered
`
`FILE SPECIFICATION OF THE DOCUMENT
`
`\\TICRS\EXPORT16\IMAGEOUT16\791\699\79169945\xml5\MOC0002.xml
`
`GOODS AND SERVICES SECTION
`
`ALL GOODS AND SERVICES INDICATOR
`
`Protection has been refused for all the goods and services.
`
`INSTRUCTIONS SECTION
`
`FREE TEXT PROCESSING INSTRUCTIONS
`
`U. S. designated on 20150514; Non-final examiner action
`
`MAIL DATE
`
`09/03/2015
`
`

`

`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE (USPTO)
`OFFICE ACTION (OFFICIAL LETTER) ABOUT APPLICANT’S TRADEMARK APPLICATION
`
`U.S. APPLICATION SERIAL NO. (cid:160) 79169945
`
`(cid:160) (cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`(cid:160)M
`
`ARK: SLIMLINE
`
`CORRESPONDENT ADDRESS:
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160) (cid:160) (cid:160) Marta S. Levine
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160) (cid:160) (cid:160) Quarles & Brady LLP
`(cid:160) (cid:160) (cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) 411 East Wisconsin Avenue,
`(cid:160) (cid:160) (cid:160)(cid:160) (cid:160) (cid:160) Attn: IP Docket
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160) (cid:160) Milwaukee WI 53202,
`
`APPLICANT: Aquion, Inc.
`
`(cid:160) (cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`CORRESPONDENT’S REFERENCE/DOCKET
`
`*79169945*
`
`(cid:160)C
`
`LICK HERE TO RESPOND TO THIS
`LETTER:
`http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/teas/response_forms.jsp
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`(cid:160) N/A
`
`NO:(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`CORRESPONDENT E-MAIL ADDRESS:(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`OFFICE ACTION
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`NTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION NO. 1065420
`
`STRICT DEADLINE TO RESPOND TO THIS NOTIFICATION:(cid:160) TO AVOID ABANDONMENT OF THE REQUEST FOR
`EXTENSION OF PROTECTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION, THE USPTO MUST RECEIVE A COMPLETE RESPONSE
`TO THIS PROVISIONAL FULL REFUSAL NOTIFICATION WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THE “DATE ON WHICH THE NOTIFICATION
`WAS SENT TO WIPO (MAILING DATE)” LOCATED ON THE WIPO COVER LETTER ACCOMPANYING THIS NOTIFICATION.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`n addition to the Mailing Date appearing on the WIPO cover letter, a holder (hereafter “applicant”) may confirm this Mailing Date using the
`USPTO’s Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system at http://tsdr.uspto.gov/.(cid:160) To do so, enter the U.S. application serial
`number for this application and then select “Documents.” (cid:160) The Mailing Date used to calculate the response deadline for this provisional full
`refusal is the “Create/Mail Date” of the “IB-1rst Refusal Note.”
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`his is a PROVISIONAL FULL REFUSAL of the request for extension of protection of the mark in the above-referenced U.S. application.(cid:160)
`See 15 U.S.C. §1141h(c).(cid:160) See below in this notification (hereafter “Office action”) for details regarding the provisional full refusal.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he referenced application has been reviewed by the assigned trademark examining attorney.(cid:160) Applicant must respond timely and completely to
`the issues below.(cid:160) 15 U.S.C. §1062(b); 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(a), 2.65(a); TMEP §§711, 718.03.
`
`(cid:160)S
`
`UMMARY OF ISSUES that applicant must address:
`
`Section 2(d) Refusal – Likelihood of Confusion
`Potential Section 2(d) Refusal Based Upon Prior-Filed Pending Application(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`Requirement to Provide Entity and Citizenship
`Requirement to Amend Mark Description and Color Claim
`Requirement to Amend Identification of Goods
`Requirement for Disclaimer
`
`SECTION 2(d) REFUSAL – LIKELIHOOD OF CONFUSION
`
`Registration of the applied-for mark is refused because of a likelihood of confusion with the marks in U.S. Registration Nos. 2259146, 2516553,
`and 2728056.(cid:160) Trademark Act Section 2(d), 15 U.S.C. §1052(d); see TMEP §§1207.01 et seq.(cid:160) See the enclosed registrations.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`n any likelihood of confusion determination, two key considerations are similarity of the marks and similarity or relatedness of the goods.(cid:160)
`Syndicat Des Proprietaires Viticulteurs De Chateauneuf-Du-Pape v. Pasquier DesVignes, 107 USPQ2d 1930, 1938 (TTAB 2013) (citing
`Federated Foods, Inc. v. Fort Howard Paper Co., 544 F.2d 1098, 1103, 192 USPQ 24, 29 (C.C.P.A. 1976)); In re Iolo Techs., LLC, 95 USPQ2d
`1498, 1499 (TTAB 2010); see TMEP §1207.01.(cid:160) That is, the marks are compared in their entireties for similarities in appearance, sound,
`connotation, and commercial impression.(cid:160) In re Viterra Inc., 671 F.3d 1358, 1362, 101 USPQ2d 1905, 1908 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (quoting In re E. I.
`
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`

`

`du Pont de Nemours & Co., 476 F.2d 1357, 1361, 177 USPQ 563, 567 (C.C.P.A. 1973)); TMEP §1207.01(b)-(b)(v).(cid:160) Additionally, the goods are
`compared to determine whether they are similar or commercially related or travel in the same trade channels.(cid:160) See Coach Servs., Inc. v. Triumph
`Learning LLC, 668 F.3d 1356, 1369-71, 101 USPQ2d 1713, 1722-23 (Fed. Cir. 2012); Herbko Int’l, Inc. v. Kappa Books, Inc. , 308 F.3d 1156,
`1165, 64 USPQ2d 1375, 1381 (Fed. Cir. 2002); TMEP §1207.01, (a)(vi).
`
`(cid:160)C
`
`omparison of the Marks
`
`(cid:160)M
`
`arks are compared in their entireties for similarities in appearance, sound, connotation, and commercial impression.(cid:160) Stone Lion Capital
`Partners, LP v. Lion Capital LLP, 746 F.3d 1317, 1321, 110 USPQ2d 1157, 1160 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (quoting Palm Bay Imps., Inc. v. Veuve
`Clicquot Ponsardin Maison Fondee En 1772, 396 F. 3d 1369, 1371, 73 USPQ2d 1689, 1691 (Fed. Cir. 2005)); TMEP §1207.01(b)-(b)(v).(cid:160)
`“Similarity in any one of these elements may be sufficient to find the marks confusingly similar.” (cid:160) In re Davia, 110 USPQ2d 1810, 1812 (TTAB
`2014) (citing In re 1st USA Realty Prof’ls, Inc. , 84 USPQ2d 1581, 1586 (TTAB 2007)); In re White Swan Ltd., 8 USPQ2d 1534, 1535 (TTAB
`1988)); TMEP §1207.01(b).
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant’s mark is SLIMLINE plus the design of a circular swirl. (cid:160) Registrants’ marks are SLIM-LINE, SLIM LINE, and SLIMLINE.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he wording in applicant’s mark and the SLIM-LINE and SLIM LINE marks is identical except for a slight difference in appearance between
`applicant’s mark, wherein the wording appears as a compound word with no space separating the words, that is, SLIMLINE; and registrants’
`marks, which appear as multiple words with space or hyphen separating the words, that is, SLIM-LINE and SLIM LINE.(cid:160) As such, the marks are
`identical in sound and virtually identical in appearance, and are thus confusingly similar for the purposes of determining likelihood of confusion.(cid:160)
`See, e.g., Seaguard Corp. v. Seaward Int’l, Inc. , 223 USPQ 48, 51 (TTAB 1984) (“[T]he marks ‘SEAGUARD’ and ‘SEA GUARD’ are, in
`contemplation of law, identical [internal citation omitted].”); In re Best W. Family Steak House, Inc., 222 USPQ 827, 827 (TTAB 1984) (“There
`can be little doubt that the marks [BEEFMASTER and BEEF MASTER] are practically identical”); Stock Pot, Inc., v. Stockpot Rest., Inc., 220
`USPQ 52, 52 (TTAB 1983), aff’d 737 F.2d 1576, 222 USPQ 665 (Fed. Cir. 1984) (“There is no question that the marks of the parties
`
`[STOCKPOT and STOCK POT] are confusingly similar.(cid:160) The word marks are phonetically identical and visually almost identical.”). (cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`Further, the wording in applicant’s mark is identical to the wording in the SLIMLINE mark, in all respects, and the marks are thus confusingly
`similar for the purposes of determining likelihood of confusion.
`
`(cid:160)F
`
`inally, the fact that applicant’s mark contains a design element does not obviate the similarity between the marks. (cid:160) Although marks must be
`compared in their entireties, the word portion generally may be the dominant and most significant feature of a mark because consumers will
`request the goods using the wording.(cid:160) See In re Viterra Inc., 671 F.3d 1358, 1362, 1366, 101 USPQ2d 1905, 1908, 1911 (Fed. Cir. 2012); In re
`Davia, 110 USPQ2d 1810, 1813 (TTAB 2014).(cid:160) For this reason, greater weight is often given to the word portion of marks when determining
`whether marks are confusingly similar.(cid:160) Joel Gott Wines, LLC v. Rehoboth Von Gott, Inc., 107 USPQ2d 1424, 1431 (TTAB 2013) (citing In re
`Dakin’s Miniatures, Inc. , 59 USPQ2d 1593, 1596 (TTAB 1999)); TMEP §1207.01(c)(ii).
`
`(cid:160)F
`
`or the foregoing reasons, the marks are considered similar for likelihood of confusion purposes.
`
`(cid:160)C
`
`omparison of the Goods
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant’s goods are: “Water treatment apparatus, including water softening apparatus and installations; water filtering apparatus (components
`for household use or industrial installations), filtering apparatus, osmosis apparatus (water treatment); parts for water treatment apparatus and
`installations, including control valves, pressure tanks and brining cabinets (parts for water-softening apparatus).”
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he goods in Registration No. 2259146 are: “shower head filters.”
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he goods in Registration No. 2516553 are: “filter parts, namely, filter housings for use with disposable cartridge filters for filtering liquids,
`namely, water, for domestic and commercial use.”
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he goods in Registration No. 2728056 are: “drinking fountains and water coolers.”
`Unrestricted and broad identifications are presumed to encompass all goods of the type described.(cid:160) See In re Jump Designs, LLC, 80 USPQ2d
`1370, 1374 (TTAB 2006) (citing In re Elbaum, 211 USPQ 639, 640 (TTAB 1981)); In re Linkvest S.A., 24 USPQ2d 1716, 1716 (TTAB 1992).(cid:160)
`Here, the application uses very broad wording to describe certain goods and this wording is presumed to encompass all goods of the type
`described, including goods set forth in the cited registrations.(cid:160) Specifically, applicant’s filtering apparatus encompasses the shower head filters
`identified in Registration No. 2259146.(cid:160) Further, applicant’s parts for water treatment apparatus and installations encompasses the filter parts
`identified in Registration No. 2516553 and shower head filters identified in Registration No. 2259146.(cid:160)
`Moreover, with respect to the relatedness of the remainder of applicant’s goods and registrants’ goods, the goods of the parties need not be
`identical or even competitive to find a likelihood of confusion.(cid:160) See On-line Careline Inc. v. Am. Online Inc., 229 F.3d 1080, 1086, 56 USPQ2d
`1471, 1475 (Fed. Cir. 2000); Recot, Inc. v. Becton, 214 F.3d 1322, 1329, 54 USPQ2d 1894, 1898 (Fed. Cir. 2000) (“[E]ven if the goods in
`question are different from, and thus not related to, one another in kind, the same goods can be related in the mind of the consuming public as to
`the origin of the goods.”); TMEP §1207.01(a)(i). (cid:160)
`
`

`

`(cid:160)T
`
`he respective goods need only be “related in some manner and/or if the circumstances surrounding their marketing [be] such that they could
`give rise to the mistaken belief that [the goods] emanate from the same source.” (cid:160) Coach Servs., Inc. v. Triumph Learning LLC, 668 F.3d 1356,
`1369, 101 USPQ2d 1713, 1722 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (quoting 7-Eleven Inc. v. Wechsler, 83 USPQ2d 1715, 1724 (TTAB 2007)); TMEP
`§1207.01(a)(i).
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he attached Internet evidence consists of screenshots of third-party websites.(cid:160) This evidence establishes that the same entity commonly provides
`the relevant goods and markets the goods under the same mark.(cid:160) For example, the screenshot of the Whirlpool website shows the sale of water
`softeners and water coolers by the same entity, under a single mark.(cid:160) Therefore, applicant’s and registrant’s goods are considered related for
`likelihood of confusion purposes.(cid:160) See, e.g., In re Davey Prods. Pty Ltd., 92 USPQ2d 1198, 1202-04 (TTAB 2009); In re Toshiba Med. Sys.
`Corp., 91 USPQ2d 1266, 1268-69, 1271-72 (TTAB 2009).
`
`(cid:160)E
`
`vidence obtained from the Internet may be used to support a determination under Section 2(d) that goods are related.(cid:160) See, e.g., In re G.B.I. Tile
`& Stone, Inc., 92 USPQ2d 1366, 1371 (TTAB 2009); In re Paper Doll Promotions, Inc., 84 USPQ2d 1660, 1668 (TTAB 2007).(cid:160) The Internet has
`become integral to daily life in the United States, with Census Bureau data showing approximately three-quarters of American households used
`the Internet in 2013 to engage in personal communications, to obtain news, information, and entertainment, and to do banking and shopping.(cid:160) See
`In re Nieves & Nieves LLC, 113 USPQ2d 1639, 1642 (TTAB 2015) (taking judicial notice of the following two official government
`publications:(cid:160) (1) Thom File & Camille Ryan, U.S. Census Bureau, Am. Cmty. Survey Reports ACS-28, Computer & Internet Use in the United
`States:(cid:160) 2013 (2014), available at http://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2014/acs/acs-28.pdf, and (2) The Nat’l
`Telecomms. & Info. Admin. & Econ. & Statistics Admin., Exploring the Digital Nation:(cid:160) America’s Emerging Online Experience (2013),
`available at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/exploring_the_digital_nation_-_americas_emerging_online_experience.pdf).(cid:160) Thus,
`the widespread use of the Internet in the United States suggests that Internet evidence may be probative of public perception in trademark
`examination.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`n conclusion, given the similarity between the marks and given the goods are related, consumers would likely be confused as to the source of the
`goods if there was contemporaneous use of the applied-for and registered mark. Therefore, registration of the applied-for mark is refused under
`Section 2(d) of the Trademark Act.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`lthough applicant’s mark has been refused registration, applicant may respond to the refusal by submitting evidence and arguments in support
`of registration.
`
`(cid:160)P
`
`RIOR-FILED PENDING APPLICATION
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he filing date of pending U.S. Application Serial No. 86593681 precedes applicant’s filing date.(cid:160) See attached referenced application.(cid:160) If the
`mark in the referenced application registers, applicant’s mark may be refused registration under Trademark Act Section 2(d) because of a
`likelihood of confusion between the two marks.(cid:160) See 15 U.S.C. §1052(d); 37 C.F.R. §2.83; TMEP §§1208 et seq.(cid:160) Therefore, upon receipt of
`applicant’s response to this Office action, action on this application may be suspended pending final disposition of the earlier-filed referenced
`application.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`n response to this Office action, applicant may present arguments in support of registration by addressing the issue of the potential conflict
`between applicant’s mark and the mark in the referenced application.(cid:160) Applicant’s election not to submit arguments at this time in no way limits
`applicant’s right to address this issue later if a refusal under Section 2(d) issues.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`f applicant responds to the refusal, applicant must also respond to the requirements set forth below.
`
`(cid:160)E
`
`NTITY AND CITIZENSHIP
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant must specify its form of business or type of legal entity and its national citizenship or foreign country of organization or incorporation.(cid:160)
`See 37 C.F.R. §§2.32(a)(3)(i)-(ii), 7.25(a)-(b); TMEP §§803.03, 803.04, 1904.02(a).(cid:160) This information is required in all U.S. trademark
`applications, including those filed under Trademark Act Section 66(a) (also known as “requests for extension of protection of international
`
`registrations to the United States”). (cid:160) See 37 C.F.R. §§2.32(a)(3)(i)-(ii), 7.25(a)-(b); TMEP §§803.03, 803.04, 1904.02(a).(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`Acceptable entity types include an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a joint venture, or the foreign equivalent.(cid:160) See 37 C.F.R.
`§2.32(a)(3)(i)-(ii); TMEP §§803.03 et seq.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`f applicant’s entity type is an individual, applicant must indicate his or her national citizenship for the record. (cid:160) See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(3)(i);
`TMEP §803.04.(cid:160) If applicant’s entity type is a corporation, association, partnership, joint venture, or the foreign equivalent, applicant must set
`forth the foreign country under whose laws applicant is organized or incorporated.(cid:160) 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(3)(ii); TMEP §§803.03(b)-(c), 803.04.(cid:160)
`For an association, applicant must also specify whether the association is incorporated or unincorporated, unless the foreign country and the
`designation or description “association/associazione” appear in Appendix D of the Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure (TMEP).(cid:160) TMEP
`§803.03(c).
`
`

`

`(cid:160)I
`
`f applicant is organized under the laws of a foreign province or geographical region, applicant should specify both the foreign province or
`geographical region and the foreign country in which the province or region is located.(cid:160) See TMEP §803.04.(cid:160) To provide this information online
`via the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) response form, applicant must (1) locate the “Entity Type” heading and select
`“Other;” (2) locate the “Specify Entity Type” heading and select “Other” under the Foreign Entity option, and enter in the free-text field below
`both applicant’s entity type and the foreign province or geographical region of its organization (e.g., partnership of Victoria); and (3) locate the
`“State or Country Where Legally Organized” heading and select the appropriate foreign country (e.g., Australia) under the Non-U.S. Entity
`option.(cid:160) See id.
`
`(cid:160)M
`
`ARK DESCRIPTION AND COLOR CLAIM
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he description of the mark is accurate but incomplete because it does not describe all the significant aspects of the applied-for mark.(cid:160)
`Applications for marks not in standard characters must include an accurate and concise description of the entire mark that identifies literal
`
`elements as well as any design elements.(cid:160) See 37 C.F.R. §2.37; TMEP §§808 et seq.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`Additionally, applicant must amend the color claim because it currently refers to various shares of blue and thus does not identify the colors in
`the mark by generic color name.(cid:160) Generic color names must be used to describe the colors in a color claim and mark description, e.g., magenta,
`
`yellow, turquoise.(cid:160) TMEP §807.07(a)(i)-(a)(ii). (cid:160) Applicant is advised that the color claim need not reference differences in shade.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`Therefore, applicant must provide a more complete description of the applied-for mark.(cid:160) The following is suggested:
`
`Mark Description: The mark consists of the wording “SLIMLINE” in blue, below blue circular swirl design.
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`Color claim:(cid:160) The color blue is claimed as a feature of the mark.
`
`DENTIFICATION OF GOODS
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he wording “water treatment apparatus, including water softening apparatus and installations” and “water filtering apparatus (components for
`household use or industrial installations), filtering apparatus, osmosis apparatus (water treatment),” in the identification of goods is too broad
`and could include goods in more than one class.(cid:160) See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`dditionally, the wording “water treatment apparatus, including water softening apparatus and installations” and “parts for water treatment
`apparatus and installations, including control valves, pressure tanks and brining cabinets (parts for water-softening apparatus)” is indefinite and
`must be clarified because it contains the open-ended wording “including.” (cid:160) See TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03(a).(cid:160) The identification must be
`specific and all-inclusive.(cid:160) Therefore, this wording should be deleted and replaced with “namely.” (cid:160) Applicant must also identify the parts for
`water treatment apparatus and installations by common commercial name.
`
`(cid:160)F
`
`inally, the identification of goods contains parentheses.(cid:160) Generally, parentheses and brackets should not be used in identifications.(cid:160) TMEP
`§1402.12.(cid:160) The USPTO generally uses brackets to indicate goods that have been deleted from registrations.(cid:160) See id.(cid:160) Parenthetical information is
`permitted in identifications only if it serves to explain or translate the matter immediately preceding the parenthetical phrase in such a way that it
`does not affect the clarity of the identification, e.g., “obi (Japanese sash).” (cid:160) Id.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`herefore, applicant must remove the parentheses from the identification and incorporate any parenthetical or bracketed information into the
`description of the goods.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he following substitute wording is suggested, if accurate:(cid:160) “Water treatment apparatus, namely, water softening apparatus and installations;
`water filtering apparatus for household and industrial use, filtering apparatus, namely, apparatus for filtering drinking water, water treatment
`equipment, namely, reverse osmosis filtration units; parts for water treatment apparatus and installations, namely, control valves for faucets,
`water pressure tanks and brining cabinets, namely, water tanks as parts for water softening apparatus.”
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`n an application filed under Trademark Act Section 66(a), an applicant may not change the classification of goods from that assigned by the
`International Bureau in the corresponding international registration.(cid:160) 37 C.F.R. §2.85(d); TMEP §§1401.03(d), 1904.02(b).(cid:160) Further, in a
`multiple-class Section 66(a) application, an applicant may not transfer goods from one existing international class to another.(cid:160) 37 C.F.R. §2.85(d);
`see TMEP §§1402.07(a), 1904.02(c).
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`herefore, any modification to this wording must identify goods in International Class 11, the classification specified in the application for these
`goods.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`n applicant may only amend an identification to clarify or limit the goods, but not to add to or broaden the scope of the goods.(cid:160) 37 C.F.R.
`§2.71(a); see TMEP §1904.02(c)(iv).(cid:160) In an application filed under Trademark Act Section 66(a), the scope of the identification for purposes of
`permissible amendments is limited by the international class assigned by the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property
`
`(cid:160)
`

`

`Organization (International Bureau).(cid:160) 37 C.F.R. §2.85(f); TMEP §§1402.07(a), 1904.02(c).(cid:160) If an applicant amends an identification to a class
`other than that assigned by the International Bureau, the amendment will not be accepted because it will exceed the scope and those goods will
`no longer have a basis for registration under U.S. law.(cid:160) TMEP §§1402.01(c), 1904.02(c).
`
`(cid:160)F
`
`or assistance with identifying and classifying goods in trademark applications, please see the USPTO’s online searchable U.S. Acceptable
`Identification of Goods and Services Manual at http://tess2.uspto.gov/netahtml/tidm.html. (cid:160) See TMEP §1402.04.
`
`(cid:160)D
`
`ISCLAIMER
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant must disclaim all the wording in the mark because it merely describes a feature of applicant’s goods, and thus is an unregistrable
`component of the mark.(cid:160) See 15 U.S.C. §§1052(e)(1), 1056(a); DuoProSS Meditech Corp. v. Inviro Med. Devices, Ltd., 695 F.3d 1247, 1251, 103
`USPQ2d 1753, 1755 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (quoting In re Oppedahl & Larson LLP, 373 F.3d 1171, 1173, 71 USPQ2d 1370, 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2004));
`
`TMEP §§1213, 1213.03(a).(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`The wording “slimline” means “(of a person or article) slender in design or build: a slimline phone.” (cid:160) See, attached dictionary definition.(cid:160)
`Therefore, in connection with applicant’s goods, the wording “slimline” in the mark merely describes that the goods feature a slender design.
`Applicant is referred to the attached screenshots of third-party websites which demonstrate use of the wording “slimline” to describe a feature
`of goods which are the same as or similar to applicant’s goods. (cid:160) For example, the screenshot of the FiltersFast website shows the sale of a water
`filtration system which is described as being constructed with a “slimline” design that is a functional space-saver.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`n applicant may not claim exclusive rights to terms that others may need to use to describe their goods in the marketplace.(cid:160) See Dena Corp. v.
`Belvedere Int’l, Inc. , 950 F.2d 1555, 1560, 21 USPQ2d 1047, 1051 (Fed. Cir. 1991); In re Aug. Storck KG, 218 USPQ 823, 825 (TTAB 1983).(cid:160)
`A disclaimer of unregistrable matter does not affect the appearance of the mark; that is, a disclaimer does not physically remove the disclaimed
`
`matter from the mark.(cid:160) See Schwarzkopf v. John H. Breck, Inc., 340 F.2d 978, 978, 144 USPQ 433, 433 (C.C.P.A. 1965); TMEP §1213.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`If applicant does not provide the required disclaimer, the USPTO may refuse to register the entire mark.(cid:160) See In re Stereotaxis Inc., 429 F.3d
`1039, 1040-41, 77 USPQ2d 1087, 1088-89 (Fed. Cir. 2005); TMEP §1213.01(b).
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant should submit a disclaimer in the following standardized format:
`
`No claim is made to the exclusive right to use “SLIMLINE” apart from the mark as shown.
`
`(cid:160)F
`
`or an overview of disclaimers and instructions on how to satisfy this disclaimer requirement online using the Trademark Electronic Application
`System (TEAS) form, please go to http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/law/disclaimer.jsp.
`
`(cid:160)R
`
`ESPONSE GUIDELINES
`
`(cid:160)W
`
`HO IS PERMITTED TO RESPOND TO THIS PROVISIONAL FULL REFUSAL:(cid:160) Any response to this provisional refusal must be
`personally signed by an individual applicant, all joint applicants, or someone with legal authority to bind a juristic applicant (e.g., a corporate
`officer or general partner).(cid:160) 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(b), 2.193(e)(2)(ii); TMEP §712.01.(cid:160) If applicant hires a qualified U.S. attorney to respond on his or
`her behalf, then the attorney must sign the response.(cid:160) 37 C.F.R. §§2.193(e)(2)(i), 11.18(a); TMEP §§611.03(b), 712.01.(cid:160) Qualified U.S. attorneys
`include those in good standing with a bar of the highest court of any U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other federal
`territories and possessions of the United States.(cid:160) See 37 C.F.R. §§2.17(a), 2.62(b), 11.1, 11.14(a); TMEP §§602, 712.01.(cid:160) Additionally, for all
`responses, the proper signatory must personally sign the document or personally enter his or her electronic signature on the electronic filing.(cid:160) See
`37 C.F.R. §2.193(a); TMEP §§611.01(b), 611.02.(cid:160) The name of the signatory must also be printed or typed immediately below or adjacent to the
`signature, or identified elsewhere in the filing.(cid:160) 37 C.F.R. §2.193(d); TMEP §611.01(b).
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`n general, foreign attorneys are not permitted to represent applicants before the USPTO (e.g., file written communications, authorize an
`amendment to an application, or submit legal arguments in response to a requirement or refusal).(cid:160) See 37 C.F.R. §11.14(c), (e); TMEP §§602.03-
`
`.03(b), 608.01.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`DESIGNATION OF DOMESTIC REPRESENTATIVE:(cid:160) The USPTO encourages applicants who do not reside in the United States to
`designate a domestic representative upon whom any notice or process may be served.(cid:160) TMEP §610; see 15 U.S.C. §§1051(e), 1141h(d); 37
`
`C.F.R. §2.24(a)(1)-(2).(cid:160) Such designations may be filed online at http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/teas/correspondence.jsp.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`ASSISTANCE
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`f applicant has questions regarding this Office action, please telephone or e-mail the assigned trademark examining attorney.(cid:160) All relevant e-
`mail communications will be placed in the official application record; however, an e-mail communication will not be accepted as a response to
`this Office action and will not extend the deadline for filing a proper response.(cid:160) See 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(c), 2.191; TMEP §§304.01-.02, 709.04-.05.(cid:160)
`Further, although the trademark examining attorney may provide additional explanation pertaining to the refusal(s) and/or requirement(s) in this
`
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`

`

`Office action, the trademark examining attorney may not provide legal advice or statements about applicant’s rights. (cid:160) See TMEP §§705.02,
`709.06.
`
`/Jennifer D. Richardson/
`Trademark Examining Attorney
`Law Office 113
`(571) 272-6153
`jennifer.richardson@uspto.gov
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`O RESPOND TO THIS LETTER: (cid:160) Go to http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/teas/response_forms.jsp. (cid:160) Please wait 48-72 hours from the
`issue/mailing date before using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), to allow for necessary system updates of the application.(cid:160)
`For technical assistance with online forms, e-mail TEAS@uspto.gov.(cid:160) For questions about the Office action itself, please contact the assigned
`trademark examining attorney.(cid:160) E-mail communications will not be accepted as responses to Office actions; therefore, do not respond to
`this Office action by e-mail.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`ll informal e-mail communications relevant to this application will be placed in the official application record.
`
`(cid:160)W
`
`HO MUST SIGN THE RESPONSE:(cid:160) It must be personally signed by an individual applicant or someone with legal authority to bind an
`applicant (i.e., a corporate officer, a general partner, all joint applicants).(cid:160) If an applicant is represented by an attorney, the attorney must sign the
`
`response.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`PERIODICALLY CHECK THE STATUS OF THE APPLICATION: (cid:160) To ensure that applicant does not miss crucial deadlines or official
`notices, check the status of the application every three to four months using the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system at
`http://tsdr.uspto.gov/. (cid:160) Please keep a copy of the TSDR status screen. (cid:160) If the status shows no change for more than six months, contact the
`Trademark Assistance Center by e-mail at TrademarkAssistanceCenter@uspto.gov or call 1-800-786-9199. (cid:160) For more information on checking
`status, see http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/process/status/.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`O UPDATE CORRESPONDENCE/E-MAIL ADDRESS:(cid:160) Use the TEAS form at http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/teas/correspondence.jsp.
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`

`

`Print: Sep 2, 2015
`
`75448381
`
`TYPED DRAWING
`
`Serial Number
`T544838l
`
`Status
`REGISTERED AND RENEWED
`
`Word Mark
`SLIM—LINE
`
`Standard Character Merit
`No
`
`Registration Number
`2259145
`
`Date Registered
`I999xO7xOe
`
`Type of Marin
`TRADEMARK
`
`Register
`PRINCIPAL
`
`Mark Drawing Code
`[1] TYPED DRAWING
`
`Owner
`INC. OORPORATION OALIEORNIA 1327 Capital Street
`SPRITE INDUSTRIES,
`Corona CALIFORNIA 9l?2U
`
`Goodsfserviees
`IC 011.
`Class Status -- ACTIVE.
`Shower head filters. First Use:
`1991/O1/O0.
`
`G 5: 8:
`U13 U21 U23 U31 034.
`US
`IBBOKIOKOO. First Use In Commerce:
`
`Filing Date
`L993/O3/11
`
`Examining Attorney
`WATSON,
`JULIE
`
`Attorney of Record
`Bruce B. Erunda
`
`

`

`Print: Sep 2, 2015
`
`75943588
`
`DESIGN MARK
`
`Serial Number
`T5943588
`
`Status
`REGISTERED AND RENEWED
`
`Word Mark
`SLIM LINE
`
`Standard Character Merit
`No
`
`Registration Number
`2515553
`
`Date Registered
`2OO1x12x11
`
`Type of Marin
`TRADEMARK
`
`Register
`PRINCIPAL
`
`Mark Drawing Code
`[I] TYPED DRAWING
`
`Owner
`INO. OORPORATION DELAWARE 5O2 INDIANA JWENUE
`PENTAIR EILTRATION,
`SHEBOYGHN WISCONSIN 53081
`
`Goodsfservioes
`Class Status —— ACTIVE.
`
`IC 011.
`
`Us
`
`U13 U21 U23 U31 034.
`
`G G 8:
`
`Filter parts, namely, filter housings for use with disposable
`cartridge filters for filtering liquids, namely, water, for domestic
`and commercial use. First Use:
`l936flOfU8. First Use In Commerce:
`l986H10f08.
`
`Filing Date
`2000H03f14
`
`Examining Attorney
`FINK, GINA
`
`Attorney of Record
`Terrence H. Link II
`
`

`

`

`

`Print: Sep 2, 2015
`
`78388715
`
`DESIGN MARK
`
`Serial Number
`T6368Tl5
`
`Status
`REGISTERED AND RENEWED
`
`Word Mark
`SLIMLINE
`
`Standard Character Merit
`No
`
`Registration Number
`2123055
`
`Date Registered
`2DD3xDGx17
`
`Type of Marin
`TRADEMARK
`
`Register
`PRINCIPAL
`
`Mark Drawing Code
`[1] TYPED DRAWING
`
`Owner
`ELRAE MANUFACTURING COMPANY CCRPCRATICN DELAWARE 2222 CAMDEN CCDRT CAR
`BROOK ILLINOIS 60523
`
`Goodsfserviees
`Class Status -- ACTIVE.
`
`IC 011.
`
`US
`
`U13 U21 U23 U31 034.
`
`G & 8:
`
`Drinking fountains and water Coolers. First Use: 2002HO1f16. First
`Use In Commerce: ZOOZHOIXIE.
`
`Filing Date
`2DD2/D2/Ds
`
`Examining Attorney
`RWANG,
`JCRN
`
`Attorney of Record
`Kathleen