<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
        {font-family:Helvetica;
        panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;}
@font-face
        {font-family:"Cambria Math";
        panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
        {font-family:Calibri;
        panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
        {font-family:Verdana;
        panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}
@font-face
        {font-family:Aptos;}
@font-face
        {font-family:Tahoma;
        panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}
@font-face
        {font-family:"Book Antiqua";
        panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4;}
@font-face
        {font-family:remialcxesans;}
@font-face
        {font-family:template-5QSGLunPEem16QANOhMLNA;}
@font-face
        {font-family:zone-1;}
@font-face
        {font-family:zones-AQ;}
@font-face
        {font-family:"Calibri \(Body\)";}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
        {margin:0in;
        font-size:10.0pt;
        font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
        {mso-style-priority:99;
        color:blue;
        text-decoration:underline;}
p.signature365-fcb1zq65, li.signature365-fcb1zq65, div.signature365-fcb1zq65
        {mso-style-name:signature365-fcb1zq65;
        mso-style-priority:99;
        margin:0in;
        font-size:12.0pt;
        font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
        color:black;}
span.apple-converted-space
        {mso-style-name:apple-converted-space;}
span.signature365-link-fcb1zq65
        {mso-style-name:signature365-link-fcb1zq65;
        mso-style-priority:99;
        color:blue;
        text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle23
        {mso-style-type:personal-reply;
        font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
        color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
        {mso-style-type:export-only;
        font-size:10.0pt;
        mso-ligatures:none;}
@page WordSection1
        {size:8.5in 11.0in;
        margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
        {page:WordSection1;}
--></style></head><body lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple" style="word-wrap:break-word"><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Among the exceptions to which Ted refers is a recent court decision <i>Apple v. Zerodensity</i> (E.D. Va 1:24-cv-284, August 1, 2025). Despite defendant\u2019s success at the TTAB in opposing Apple\u2019s REALITY COMPOSER and REALITY CONVERTER trademark, Zerodensity was heavily outgunned in the district court by Apple (who provided no less than 4 expert witness reports in support of its motion for summary judgment). Apple won its motion. The court noted (admittedly referencing a relatively small part of the decision), \u201cAs to third-party usage, plaintiff correctly argues that if the marks were descriptive, one would expect third parties to use them\u201d and added, a propos of this discussion, \u201cPlaintiff also points out that <b><i>defendant argued in prosecuting its own marks</i></b> that lack of usage was a sign of non-descriptiveness.\u201c</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">\u201cAnything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.\u201d</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Thank you,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Mark</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,serif">Mark S. Kaufman</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,serif">Kaufman &amp; Kahn, LLP</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,serif">10 Grand Central</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,serif">155 East 44<sup>th</sup> Street, 19<sup>th</sup> Floor</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,serif">New York, NY  10017</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,serif">Office: +1 (212) 293-5556, x 2</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR" style="font-family:&quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,serif">Mobile: +1 (917) 453-7807</span><span lang="FR" style="font-size:12.0pt"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR" style="font-family:&quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,serif">Email:  </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><a href="mailto:kaufman@kaufmankahn.com"><span lang="FR" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,serif;color:#0563c1">kaufman@kaufmankahn.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,serif"> </span><span lang="FR" style="font-size:12.0pt"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><a href="http://www.kaufmankahn.com/"><span lang="FR" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,serif;color:#0563c1">www.kaufmankahn.com</span></a></span><span lang="FR" style="font-size:12.0pt"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR" style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR" style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"> </span><span lang="FR" style="font-size:12.0pt"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"><img border="0" width="371" height="51" style="width:3.8645in;height:.5312in" id="Picture_x0020_1413723742" src="cid:image007.png@01DC0BA1.B1A67A70"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif;color:#1f497d">This email is intended only for the party to whom it is addressed and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination or copying of this email is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, kindly notify us immediately, return the email to us, and destroy any electronic or other copies of the email (including any notification to us in your \u201cSent\u201d folder). Thank you in advance for your cooperation and courtesy.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><div><div style="border:none;border-top:solid #e1e1e1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"> E-trademarks &lt;<a href="mailto:e-trademarks-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com">e-trademarks-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com</a>&gt; <b>On Behalf Of </b>Davis, Ted via E-trademarks<br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, August 12, 2025 3:32 PM<br><b>To:</b> For trademark practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. &lt;<a href="mailto:e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com">e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com</a>&gt;<br><b>Cc:</b> Davis, Ted &lt;<a href="mailto:TDavis@ktslaw.com">TDavis@ktslaw.com</a>&gt;<br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [E-trademarks] Arguments during prosecution</span></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">              With some exceptions, <i>e.g.</i>, <i>Lucky Stores, Inc. v. Red &amp; White Found</i>., 145 U.S.P.Q. 47, 48 (T.T.A.B. 1965) (dismissing notice of opposition based in part on opposer\u2019s success in distinguishing marks similar to its own in registration process), inconsistent representations regarding the likelihood of confusion between marks generally don\u2019t count for much in later inter partes litigation and certainly don\u2019t trigger findings of estoppel. <i>See, e.g.</i>, <i>Stone Lion Cap. Partners, L.P. v. Lion Cap. LLP</i>, 746 F.3d 1317, 1322 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (\u201cA party\u2019s prior arguments may be considered as \u2018illuminative of shade and tone in the total picture,\u2019 but do not alter the Board\u2019s obligation to reach its own conclusion on the record.\u201d (quoting <i>Interstate Brands Corp. v. Celestial Seasonings, Inc</i>., 576 F.2d 926, 929 (C.C.P.A. 1978)); <i>Home Juice Co. v. Runglin Cos</i>., 231 U.S.P.Q. 897, 899 (T.T.A.B. 1986) (\u201c[T]he inconsistency between the position taken by petitioner before the Examining Attorney and in the petition to cancel on the likelihood of confusion issue is not violative of the liberal pleading rule.\u201d); <i>Taffy\u2019s of Cleveland, Inc. v. Taffy\u2019s, Inc</i>., 189 U.S.P.Q. 154, 157-58 (T.T.A.B. 1975) (\u201cThe fact that petitioner argued before the Examiner of Trademarks that its mark and that of respondent were not confusingly similar, in no way precludes petitioner from now asserting likelihood of confusion as a ground of damage.\u201d); <i>Institutional Wholesalers, Inc. v. Saxons Sandwich Shoppes, Inc</i>., 170 U.S.P.Q. 107, 109 (T.T.A.B. 1971) (\u201cTurning now to applicant\u2019s contention that opposer is estopped from asserting a likelihood of confusion because of statements made in its application out of which its registration issued, it is well settled that any such statements do not give rise to estoppel in subsequent proceedings. Additionally, applicant cannot invoke this doctrine since it has not been shown that it acted in reliance on the conduct said to create the estoppel.\u201d (citation omitted)).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">              Nevertheless, and obviously depending on the circumstances, the significance of those representations in later infringement litigation in the regional circuits may be a different matter. <i>See, e.g.</i>, <i>RiseandShine Corp. v. PepsiCo, Inc</i>., 41 F.4th 112, 123 (2d Cir. 2022); <i>Freedom Card, Inc. v. JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co</i>., 432 F.3d 463, 476 (3d Cir. 2005);  <i>Petro Stopping Ctrs., L.P. v. James River Petroleum, Inc</i>., 130 F.3d 88, 94 (4th Cir. 1997).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><div id="signature-365-signature"><div><p class="signature365-fcb1zq65"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"><img border="0" width="50" height="60" style="width:.5208in;height:.625in" id="Picture_x0020_144459443" src="cid:image001.png@01DC0BA0.7E32BEC0" alt="Kilpatrick Townsend &amp; Stockton LLP"></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"><br></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">Ted Davis</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"> <br><a href="mailto:TDavis@ktslaw.com"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;color:#838181">TDavis@ktslaw.com</span><br></a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">Kilpatrick Townsend &amp; Stockton LLP</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"><br></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">1100 Peachtree Street NE</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">|</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">Suite 2800</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">|</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">Atlanta,</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">GA</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">30309-4528</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"><br></span><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">T</span></b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181"> 404 815 6534 | <b>M</b> 404 213 4967 | <b>F</b> 404 541 3172 </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"><br><br></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">Kilpatrick Townsend &amp; Stockton LLP</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"><br></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">3 Times Square</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">|</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">New York,</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">NY</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">10036</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"> <br></span><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">T</span></b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181"> 212 775 8704 | <b>M</b> 404 213 4967 | <b>F</b> 404 541 3172 </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"><br><a href="http://www.ktslaw.com/en/People/D/DavisTheodoreH"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;color:#838181">My Profile</span><span class="signature365-link-fcb1zq65"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"> </span></span></a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif;color:#838181">|</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,sans-serif"> <a href="http://www.ktslaw.com/vcard/TheodoreH.Davis.vcf"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;color:#838181">vCard</span><span class="signature365-link-fcb1zq65"> </span></a></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"></span></p></div></div></td></tr></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><div style="border:none;border-top:solid #e1e1e1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"> E-trademarks &lt;<a href="mailto:e-trademarks-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com">e-trademarks-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com</a>&gt; <b>On Behalf Of </b>Eric Morton via E-trademarks<br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, August 12, 2025 12:47 PM<br><b>To:</b> For trademark practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. &lt;<a href="mailto:e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com">e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com</a>&gt;<br><b>Cc:</b> Eric Morton &lt;<a href="mailto:emorton@clearskylaw.com">emorton@clearskylaw.com</a>&gt;<br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [E-trademarks] Arguments during prosecution</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt:.75pt"><span style="font-size:1.0pt;color:white">When I taught trademark law and supervised the trademark clinic at California Western SOL, I cautioned my clinic students that we had to think through everything we filed with the USPTO \u2013 in the applications, SOUs, responses to OA. I\u2019d tell</span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt:.75pt"><span style="font-size:1.0pt;color:white"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">When I taught trademark law and supervised the trademark clinic at California Western SOL, I cautioned my clinic students that we had to think through everything we filed with the USPTO \u2013 in the applications, SOUs, responses to OA.  I\u2019d tell them \u201canything you file, can be used in a court of law.\u201d</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#7f7f7f">--</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#7f7f7f">Eric D. Morton</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#7f7f7f">Attorney</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#7f7f7f">Clear Sky Law Group, P.C.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#7f7f7f">1300 Clay St., Ste. 600, Oakland, CA 94612</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#7f7f7f">P:  (510) 556-0367 / (760) 722-6582</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#7f7f7f">F:  (510) 751-4598</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#747474"><a href="mailto:emorton@clearskylaw.com">emorton@clearskylaw.com</a></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#7f7f7f"><a href="http://clearskylaw.com/"><span style="color:#7f7f7f">www</span><span style="color:#467886;font-weight:normal">.</span><span style="color:#7f7f7f">clearskylaw.com</span></a></span></b><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0e2841"></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><img border="0" width="120" height="41" style="width:1.25in;height:.427in" id="Picture_x0020_1040021957" src="cid:image002.jpg@01DC0BA0.7E32BEC0" alt="Clear Sky Logo-Transparent 6"></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Do not forward this email without authorization of sender.  This email may contain confidential and/or attorney-client privileged communications. If you are not the intended recipient, please destroy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><div><div style="border:none;border-top:solid #e1e1e1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"> E-trademarks &lt;<a href="mailto:e-trademarks-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com">e-trademarks-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com</a>&gt; <b>On Behalf Of </b>Kevin Grierson via E-trademarks<br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, August 12, 2025 8:25 AM<br><b>To:</b> For trademark practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. &lt;<a href="mailto:e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com">e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com</a>&gt;<br><b>Cc:</b> Kevin Grierson &lt;<a href="mailto:kgrierson@cm.law">kgrierson@cm.law</a>&gt;<br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [E-trademarks] Arguments during prosecution</span></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The fact specific nature of likelihood of confusion analysis means that prosecution statements are often of limited probative value regarding 2(d) arguments generally.  The real danger, I think, is when you are forced to make an argument during prosecution that the predominant term in both marks is either highly descriptive and/or common in the industry and so the registrant\u2019s mark (and by extension, the applicant\u2019s) is entitled to a limited scope of protection from similar marks.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><div><div><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse"><tr><td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse"><tr><td style="padding:7.5pt 0in 0in 0in"><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse"><tr><td valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse"><tr><td valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse"><tr><td valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse"><tr><td valign="top" style="padding:7.5pt 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0f172e">Kevin Grierson</span></b></p></td></tr></table></td><td valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse"><tr><td valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 2.25pt 0in 2.25pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri (Body)&quot;;color:gray">|</span></p></td></tr></table></td><td nowrap valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri (Body)&quot;;color:gray">Partner</span></p></td><td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:remialcxesans;color:white">\u200b</span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:template-5QSGLunPEem16QANOhMLNA;color:white">\u200b</span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:zone-1;color:white">\u200b</span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:zones-AQ;color:white">\u200b</span><span style="font-size:1.0pt"></span></p></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.cm.law/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:1.0pt;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="130" height="50" style="width:1.3541in;height:.5208in" id="Picture_x0020_4" src="cid:image003.png@01DC0BA0.7E32BEC0"></span></a><span style="font-size:1.0pt"></span></p></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse"><tr><td valign="top" style="padding:.75pt 0in 0in 0in"><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse"><tr><td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"></td><td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:1.0pt;color:gray"><img border="0" width="16" height="16" style="width:.1666in;height:.1666in" id="_x0000_i1034" src="cid:image004.png@01DC0BA0.7E32BEC0" alt="Mobile:"></span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;color:gray"></span></p></td><td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri (Body)&quot;;color:gray">  <a href="tel:757-726-7799" target="_blank"><span style="color:gray;text-decoration:none">757-726-7799</span></a></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:1.0pt;color:gray"><img border="0" width="16" height="16" style="width:.1666in;height:.1666in" id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image005.png@01DC0BA0.7E32BEC0" alt="Fax:"></span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;color:gray"></span></p></td><td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri (Body)&quot;;color:gray">  <a href="fax:866-521-5663" target="_blank"><span style="color:gray;text-decoration:none">866-521-5663</span></a></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:1.0pt;color:gray"><img border="0" width="16" height="16" style="width:.1666in;height:.1666in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image006.png@01DC0BA0.7E32BEC0" alt="Email:"></span><span style="font-size:1.0pt;color:gray"></span></p></td><td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri (Body)&quot;;color:gray">  <a href="mailto:kgrierson@cm.law" target="_blank"><span style="color:gray;text-decoration:none">kgrierson@cm.law</span></a></span></p></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse"><tr><td valign="top" style="padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri (Body)&quot;;color:gray"><a href="https://www.cm.law/cm-law-formerly-culhane-meadows-launches-second-decade-with-fresh-name-and-modern-brand/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0f172e;text-decoration:none">Please note: Culhane Meadows is now CM Law</span></a></span></i></b></p></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><div><div style="border:none;border-top:solid #e1e1e1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"> E-trademarks &lt;<a href="mailto:e-trademarks-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com">e-trademarks-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com</a>&gt; <b>On Behalf Of </b>Richard Straussman via E-trademarks<br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, August 12, 2025 8:32 AM<br><b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com">e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com</a><br><b>Cc:</b> Richard Straussman &lt;<a href="mailto:rstraussman@weitzmanip.com">rstraussman@weitzmanip.com</a>&gt;; <a href="mailto:e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com">e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com</a><br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [E-trademarks] Arguments during prosecution</span></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="4" cellpadding="0"><tr><td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"><div style="border:solid red 3.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;background:red"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif;color:white">EXTERNAL EMAIL</span></p></div></td></tr></table><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Although there is no \u201cprosecution history estoppel\u201d on the trademark side, there are still the doctrines of judicial estoppel and statutory estoppel - either/both of which MAY apply. </span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">     Rich Straussman</span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><br>On Aug 12, 2025, at 8:26</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">\u202f</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">AM, Ramon G. Vela Cordova via E-trademarks &lt;<a href="mailto:e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com">e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com</a>&gt; wrote:</span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,sans-serif">\ufeff</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Hi Russell, </span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">McCarthy has a section on this issue with some case citations, 5 McCarthy on Trademarks and Unfair Competition § 32:111.  Basically, although the patent law doctrine of  \u201cfile wrapper estoppel\u201d / \u201cprosecution history estoppel\u201d does not apply to trademark infringement cases, registrant&#39;s arguments or statements of fact during prosecution are admissible (though not dispositive) evidence against their contrary arguments or statements during infringement litigation.  From what I can tell, courts vary in how persuasive they take such evidence to be.</span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Best regards,</span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Ramón</span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><blockquote style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt"><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">On Aug 11, 2025, at 11:40</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">\u202f</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">AM, Russell Nugent via E-trademarks &lt;<a href="mailto:e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com">e-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com</a>&gt; wrote:</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Dear Group,</span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">I have a client that is considering responding to a suspension notice, but we are concerned about creating a problem if/when he has a registration and needs to enforce it.  If we make an argument during prosecution that another mark is not confusingly similar (because the marks look different and the goods are distinguishable), may I assume it is conceivable that during litigation, if he made an argument that contradicts the argument I make during prosecution, that statement is something that can be used against him?  What happens during prosecution can come up in litigation, correct?  Is there any reason this is not a concern?  </span></p></div><div id="Signature"><div id="Signature"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Russell D. Nugent</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#c82613">Comprising IP</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">1213 Culbreth Dr, Ste 112</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Wilmington, NC 28405</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><a href="mailto:nugent@comprisingip.com">nugent@comprisingip.com</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(private)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">910-550-3259 (private)</span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><a href="mailto:contact@comprisingip.com">contact@comprisingip.com</a></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">910-509-7131</span></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Helvetica&quot;,sans-serif">--<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br>E-trademarks mailing list<br></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><a href="mailto:E-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Helvetica&quot;,sans-serif">E-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Helvetica&quot;,sans-serif"><br></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><a href="http://oppedahl-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/e-trademarks_oppedahl-lists.com"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Helvetica&quot;,sans-serif">http://oppedahl-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/e-trademarks_oppedahl-lists.com</span></a></span></p></div></blockquote></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Helvetica&quot;,sans-serif;color:black">Best regards,<br>RGVC<br style="font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;word-spacing:0px"><br style="font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;word-spacing:0px"></span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">&lt;VCL Email Sig 2 TMP.png&gt;</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Helvetica&quot;,sans-serif;color:black"><br><br>CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE<br>This is a confidential and privileged communication between the sender and the intended recipient(s).  Access to this communication by anyone else is unauthorized.  It is prohibited and unlawful for any unintended recipient to disclose, copy, distribute, or use in any other way the contents of this communication or any attachment thereto.  If you have received this communication in error, please delete it immediately and notify the sender at (787) 594-0481.  Thank you.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">-- <br>E-trademarks mailing list<br><a href="mailto:E-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com">E-trademarks@oppedahl-lists.com</a><br><a href="http://oppedahl-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/e-trademarks_oppedahl-lists.com">http://oppedahl-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/e-trademarks_oppedahl-lists.com</a></span></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">&#39;</span></p><div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><hr size="2" width="100%" align="center"></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:black"><br>Confidentiality Notice:<br>This communication constitutes an electronic communication within the meaning of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. Section 2510, and its disclosure is strictly limited to the recipient intended by the sender of this message. This transmission, and any attachments, may contain confidential attorney-client privileged information and attorney work product. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Please contact us immediately by return e-mail or at 404 815 6500, and destroy the original transmission and its attachments without reading or saving in any manner.<br></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">&#39; </span></p></div></body></html>