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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Our office has a case in the exact same situation – a 3+ year old application blocking us and no examiner has yet been assigned. I followed the same path you did with the same result. Curious
to know if anyone else knows why there are ancient applications that still haven’t been assigned to an examiner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> E-trademarks <e-trademarks-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Charles B. Kramer via E-trademarks<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, July 16, 2024 12:23 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com<br>
<b>Cc:</b> Charles B. Kramer <charlesbkramer.tm@gmail.com>; charles.b.kramer@gmail.com<br>
<b>Subject:</b> [E-trademarks] Mark not examined in over three years: OR Franz Kafka's Secret Trademark Office<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Dear Trademark List,<br>
<br>
One of my client's applications is suspended pending the resolution of a preexisting application.<br>
<br>
Fair enough. HOWEVER:<br>
<br>
1. When it is examined, the preexisting application almost certainly will be refused registration. While my client's current application is junior, it also has a senior registration which gives it superior rights. It was on that basis my client's application
was suspended.<br>
<br>
2. I filed a Letter of Protest in the preexisting application, informing the Trademark Office of my client's senior registration. The Letter was accepted - causing a notation in the record of the preexisting application.<br>
<br>
3. <b>The preexisting application was filed in May 2021 -- yes, over three years ago -- yet no Examiner has been appointed!</b> The only notation in the public file since then is the reference to my recently filed Letter of Protest (the notation is addressed
to the "Examiner:" followed by no name).<br>
<br>
I wrote to <a href="mailto:TrademarkAssistanceCenter@uspto.gov">TrademarkAssistanceCenter@uspto.gov</a> about this, and got a long generic non-sequitur response, explaining how "suspensions" work. As to the preexisting application it only wrote: "we can't
discuss any particular application or registration with a third party."<br>
<br>
So, what, trademark applications can be ignored indefinitely -- and for unexplained reasons? I did not make any ex-parte statement about the preexisting application except to observe it has not been examined, which is an objective fact, and a problem for
my client.<br>
<br>
The Trademark Examiner for my client's application (who understands the preexisting application is likely to be refused registration) suggested I write to
<a href="mailto:TMPolicy@uspto.gov">TMPolicy@uspto.gov</a> because it can see the non-public aspects of the preexisting application -- and she cannot.<br>
<br>
I do not mean to suggest anything nefarious is going on -- beyond system failure (things get lost). But (if I may be forgiven for being a little grandiose) the fact there is a world of secret trademark files -- who's secrecy prevents my client from asserting
its rights -- seems like a Due Process violation. Or Administrative Procedure Act violation. Or something. Halloooo Franz Kafka!<br>
<br>
Any suggestions? <br>
<br>
Best,<br>
<br>
- Charles<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
===========================================<br>
Charles B. Kramer, Esq.<br>
~ ATTORNEY ~ <br>
Linkedin: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskramer">www.linkedin.com/in/charleskramer</a>
<br>
Tel: +1 917-512-2721<br>
Email: <a href="mailto:charles.b.kramer@gmail.com">charles.b.kramer@gmail.com</a> <--- for direct responses
<br>
Mail: 200 E. 10th Street, No. 816, New York, NY 10003<br>
Blog: <a href="https://www.provideocoalition.com/CharlesBKramer/">https://www.provideocoalition.com/CharlesBKramer/<br>
</a><o:p></o:p></p>
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