[E-trademarks] Primarily a Surname???

[guyvmann at gvmlaw.net]

Miriam,

 

I’ve beaten this ‘merely a surname’ nonsense a few of times.  See

 

*	88936985,  90090134 - ROSSI
*	98056652, 98167326, 98184877, 98202229  -  LAMA

 

In the latter case, the mark was the surname of the Applicant’s CEO, and he
signed the applications.  

 

See also (not mine):

 

*	87315708 – ANDARI

 

 

Examiners rely too heavily on suspect “evidence” for these refusals.

It’s not too difficult to punch holes in it by presenting countervailing
evidence (real evidence), etc.

It’s a chore, and a bit costly to the client.  You’ll probably need to file
for the extension, too.

 

Regarding approach, just walk through the Benthin factors one at a time,
gather all the evidence you can find, and present all of it to the examiner.


You have to address the client’s name issue, but you can argue that it’s
just one of the Benthin factors and overwhelmed by the others.

 

The examiners usually listen to reason.

 

Feel free to use my responses as a template if you find any of them helpful.


 

Guy

 

 

Guy V. Manning 
LAW OFFICES OF GUY V. MANNING 
Intellectual Property Attorneys – Patent, Copyright, Trademark  
4200 S. Hulen Street, Suite 603      Voice  (817) 294-7744 

Fort Worth, Texas 76109  USA        Fax     (817) 294-7742  
 <mailto:guyvmann at flash.net> guyvmann at gvmlaw.net  

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From: E-trademarks <e-trademarks-bounces at oppedahl-lists.com> On Behalf Of
Miriam Richter, Esq. via E-trademarks
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 8:34 AM
To: For trademark practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal
advice. <e-trademarks at oppedahl-lists.com>
Cc: Miriam Richter, Esq. <mrichter at richtertrademarks.com>
Subject: [E-trademarks] Primarily a Surname???

 

All,

 

I have a client with an uncommon surname who wants to register a mark using
his surname. There are five other marks on the register that have passed
muster as not primarily a surname because it is rare, but I’m very leery of
filing it since it will sort of be in right in the Examiner’s face.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Best, 

Miriam 

 

Miriam Richter, Attorney at Law, P.L. 

Make Your Mark! ® 

Trademark, Copyright, and other Intellectual Property Matters
2312 Wilton Drive, Suite 9
Wilton Manors, Florida 33305 

  

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