[E-trademarks] Mark Significance?

Wed Feb 12 21:13:19 UTC 2025

Rather than ask why a significance inquiry was made in this case one might
reasonably ask why significance statements aren't a part of all
applications for registration.

If there's something you know (about how a mark might be likely to be
perceived in a particular industry) that the Trademark Examining Attorney
doesn't know that could influence the analysis of whether registration is
appropriate under the statute, mightn't it make sense for you to be
required to disclose it (without needing to be asked)?

At least in my opinion, the fact that we're not asked to make a separate
statement in the vast majority of instances more than outweighs the
occasional need to make one.

Sincerely,

Ed Timberlake
*Board Certified Specialist in Trademark Law
<https://www.nclawspecialists.gov/for-the-public/find-a-board-certified-specialist/results/detail/?id=29473>*

*Timberlake Law* <http://timberlakelaw.com/>
Chapel Hill, NC

Schedule a call on Clarity <https://clarity.fm/edtimberlake>
ed at timberlakelaw.com
919.960.1950

On Wed, Feb 12, 2025 at 3:54 PM Kevin Grierson via E-trademarks <
e-trademarks at oppedahl-lists.com> wrote:

> Right.  There’s even a checkbox for it in the ROA form.
>
>
>
> *Kevin Grierson*********
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> *From:* E-trademarks <e-trademarks-bounces at oppedahl-lists.com> *On Behalf
> Of *carla calcagno via E-trademarks
> *Sent:* Wednesday, February 12, 2025 3:43 PM
> *To:* For trademark practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek
> legal advice. <e-trademarks at oppedahl-lists.com>
> *Cc:* carla calcagno <cccalcagno at gmail.com>; Eran Kahana <
> Eran.Kahana at maslon.com>
> *Subject:* Re: [E-trademarks] Mark Significance?
>
>
>
> EXTERNAL EMAIL
>
> If it is an unusual word and the Examiner can't find any meaning in the
> numerous resources available to them, I have seen them issue this inquiry
> just to ensure that they haven't missed anything. A simple response that
> the term has no industry, geographical,or foreign language significance in
> relation to the goods suffices.
>
>
>
> Regards
>
>
>
> Carla
>
>
>
> On Wed, Feb 12, 2025 at 3:23 PM Eran Kahana via E-trademarks <
> e-trademarks at oppedahl-lists.com> wrote:
>
> I received an office action with a “Mark Significance” requirement asking
> for industry, geographical, and foreign language significance. I am trying
> to determine what triggered it. An application for a nearly identical name
> (for different goods) sailed through without triggering it. The office
> action don’t cite the TMEP for this and I wasn’t able to find TMEP
> instructions on point. Does the examiner do any sort of research that
> causes this?
>
>
>
> Thanks!
>
>
>
>
>
> *Eran Kahana*
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