To:
`
`Subject:
`
`Sent:
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`Sent As:
`
`Attachments:
`
`Fair Use Parodies LLC (mtdabrow@uno.edu)
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`U.S. TRADEMARK APPLICATION NO. 85233920 - NO FAVRE LEAGUE - N/A
`
`5/12/11 10:00:16 PM
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`ECOM110@USPTO.GOV
`
`Attachment - 1
`Attachment - 2
`Attachment - 3
`Attachment - 4
`Attachment - 5
`Attachment - 6
`Attachment - 7
`Attachment - 8
`Attachment - 9
`Attachment - 10
`Attachment - 11
`Attachment - 12
`Attachment - 13
`Attachment - 14
`Attachment - 15
`Attachment - 16
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`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE (USPTO)
`OFFICE ACTION (OFFICIAL LETTER) ABOUT APPLICANT’S TRADEMARK APPLICATION
`
`85233920
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) CORRESPONDENT ADDRESS:
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`*85233920*
`
`CLICK HERE TO RESPOND TO THIS LETTER:
`http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/teas/response_forms.jsp
`
`(cid:160) (cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) APPLICATION SERIAL NO.(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) MARK: NO FAVRE LEAGUE(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)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160) (cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) APPLICANT:(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160) Fair Use Parodies LLC(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)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) CORRESPONDENT’S REFERENCE/DOCKET NO :(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)(cid:160)
`N/A(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(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)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`FAIR USE PARODIES LLC(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)(cid:160)
`FAIR USE PARODIES LLC(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)(cid:160)
`METAIRIE, LA 70001-5159(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)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`811 N ARNOULT RD
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`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`mtdabrow@uno.edu
`
`OFFICE ACTION
`
`STRICT DEADLINE TO RESPOND TO THIS LETTER
`TO AVOID ABANDONMENT OF APPLICANT’S TRADEMARK APPLICATION, THE USPTO MUST RECEIVE APPLICANT’S COMPLETE
`RESPONSE TO THIS LETTER WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THE ISSUE/MAILING DATE BELOW.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`SSUE/MAILING DATE: 5/12/2011
`
`TEAS PLUS APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT DOCUMENTS ELECTRONICALLY OR SUBMIT FEE:(cid:160) Applicants who filed their
`application online using the reduced-fee TEAS Plus application must continue to submit certain documents online using TEAS, including
`responses to Office actions.(cid:160) See 37 C.F.R. §2.23(a)(1).(cid:160) For a complete list of these documents, see TMEP §819.02(b).(cid:160) In addition, such
`
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`

`

`applicants must accept correspondence from the Office via e-mail throughout the examination process and must maintain a valid e-mail address.(cid:160)
`37 C.F.R. §2.23(a)(2); TMEP §§819, 819.02(a).(cid:160) TEAS Plus applicants who do not meet these requirements must submit an additional fee of
`$50 per international class of goods and/or services.(cid:160) 37 C.F.R. §2.6(a)(1)(iv); TMEP §819.04.(cid:160) In appropriate situations and where all issues can
`be resolved by amendment, responding by telephone to authorize an examiner’s amendment will not incur this additional fee.
`
`GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING TRADEMARKS
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he USPTO applies the following legal authorities when processing a trademark and service mark application:(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`The Trademark Act of 1946;
`The Trademark Rules of Practice;
`Precedential court and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board decisions;
`USPTO’s Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure (TMEP) (7th ed. Oct. 2010); and
`
`USPTO’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Manual of Procedure (TBMP).(cid:160)(cid:160)
`15 U.S.C. §§1051 et seq.; 37 C.F.R. pts. 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11; see TMEP intro., §§101, 107, 110.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`Official USPTO letters and notices sent to applicants generally refer to one or more of these legal resources.(cid:160) Both the Trademark Act and the
`Trademark Rules of Practice can be viewed online at the Trademarks’ Home Page at http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/index.jsp by clicking on
`“Laws & Regulations” on the left side of the screen. (cid:160) The TMEP is also available via the Home Page by clicking on “Manuals, Guides, Official
`Gazette” on the left side of the screen. (cid:160) Trademark Trial and Appeal Board decisions and the TBMP can be found at their website located at
`http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/process/appeal/index.jsp.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he acronym “TMEP” used in official USPTO letters and notices refers to the USPTO’s Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure (7th ed.
`Oct. 2010), a manual written by USPTO staff that explains the laws and procedures governing the trademark application, registration, and post
`registration processes.(cid:160) The TMEP can be viewed online at the Trademarks’ Home Page at http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/index.jsp by
`
`clicking on “Manuals, Guides, Official Gazette” on the left side of the screen. (cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`Applicant may wish to hire an attorney to assist in prosecuting this application because of the legal technicalities involved.(cid:160) The Office,
`however, cannot aid in the selection of an attorney.(cid:160) 37 C.F.R. §2.11.(cid:160) Applicant may wish to consult a local telephone directory for a listing
`of attorneys specializing in trademark or intellectual property law, or seek guidance from a local bar association attorney-referral service.
`
`The referenced application has been reviewed by the assigned trademark examining attorney.(cid:160) Applicant must respond timely and completely to
`the issue(s) below.(cid:160) 15 U.S.C. §1062(b); 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(a), 2.65(a); TMEP §§711, 718.03.
`
`SUMMARY OF ISSUES that applicant must address:
`
`SECTION 2(d) REFUSAL - LIKELIHOOD OF CONFUSION
`SECTION 2(a) REFUSAL - FALSE CONNECTION
`CONSENT OF PERSON NAMED IN MARK
`UNNECESSARY SECTION 2(F) CLAIM OF ACQUIRED DISTINCTIVENESS
`UNNECESSARY TRANSLATION - PLEASE DELETE
`UNNECESSARY CONCURRENT USE STATEMENT - PLEASE DELETE
`USE IN OTHER FORM STATEMENT - IMPROPER IN A SECTION 1(B) INTENT TO USE APPLICATION
`ADVISORY - POSSIBLE ORNAMENTATION REFUSAL UPON FILING OF ALLEGATION OF USE
`
`SECTION 2(d) REFUSAL – LIKELIHOOD OF CONFUSION
`
`(cid:160)R
`
`egistration of the applied-for mark is refused because of a likelihood of confusion with the mark in U.S. Registration Nos. 2988406 and
`2976329.(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)T
`
`rademark Act Section 2(d) bars registration of an applied-for mark that so resembles a registered mark that it is likely that a potential consumer
`would be confused or mistaken or deceived as to the source of the goods and/or services of the applicant and registrant.(cid:160) See 15 U.S.C. §1052(d).(cid:160)
`The court in In re E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 476 F.2d 1357, 177 USPQ 563 (C.C.P.A. 1973) listed the principal factors to be considered
`when determining whether there is a likelihood of confusion under Section 2(d).(cid:160) See TMEP §1207.01.(cid:160) However, not all of the factors are
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`

`

`necessarily relevant or of equal weight, and any one factor may be dominant in a given case, depending upon the evidence of record.(cid:160) In re
`Majestic Distilling Co., 315 F.3d 1311, 1315, 65 USPQ2d 1201, 1204 (Fed. Cir. 2003); see In re E. I. du Pont, 476 F.2d at 1361-62, 177 USPQ at
`567.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`n this case, the following factors are the most relevant:(cid:160) similarity of the marks, similarity of the goods and/or services, and similarity of trade
`channels of the goods and/or services.(cid:160) See In re Opus One, Inc., 60 USPQ2d 1812 (TTAB 2001); In re Dakin’s Miniatures Inc. , 59 USPQ2d
`1593 (TTAB 1999); In re Azteca Rest. Enters., Inc., 50 USPQ2d 1209 (TTAB 1999); TMEP §§1207.01 et seq.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he proposed mark is NO FAVRE LEAGUE for t-shirts.(cid:160) The registered marks are FAVRE (2988406) for Clothing, namely, shirts; and BRETT
`FAVRE (2976329) for, among other things, Clothing, namely, shirts, pants, caps, athletic shoes, shoes and jackets.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`Similarity of Marks
`.(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`In a likelihood of confusion determination, the marks are compared for similarities in their appearance, sound, meaning or connotation and
`commercial impression.(cid:160) In re E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 476 F.2d 1357, 1361, 177 USPQ 563, 567 (C.C.P.A. 1973); TMEP §1207.01(b).(cid:160)
`Similarity in any one of these elements may be sufficient to find a likelihood of confusion.(cid:160) In re White Swan Ltd., 8 USPQ2d 1534, 1535 (TTAB
`1988); In re Lamson Oil Co., 6 USPQ2d 1041, 1043 (TTAB 1987); see TMEP §1207.01(b).
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he applicant’s mark and the registered marks all share the surname FAVRE. (cid:160) As shown in the attached web pages
`www.officialbrettfavre.com/bio/ and www.nfl.com/players/brettfavre..., Brett Favre is a famous quarterback who recently retired from the NFL
`after 20 years as a player.(cid:160) Therefore, consumers would be highly likely to be confused by the applicant’s proposed trademark containing the
`highly distinctive term FAVRE and the registered marks FAVRE and BRETT FAVRE.(cid:160) Even though the applicant’s mark contains additional
`terms “NO” and “LEAGUE”, these terms merely add to the likelihood of confusion because they are a parody of the NFL (National Football
`League), as admitted by the applicant in their application.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he mere addition of a term to a registered mark generally does not obviate the similarity between the marks nor does it overcome a likelihood
`of confusion under Trademark Act Section 2(d).(cid:160) See In re Chatam Int’l Inc. , 380 F.3d 1340, 71 USPQ2d 1944 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (GASPAR’S
`ALE and JOSE GASPAR GOLD); Coca-Cola Bottling Co. v. Jos. E. Seagram & Sons, Inc., 526 F.2d 556, 188 USPQ 105 (C.C.P.A. 1975)
`(BENGAL and BENGAL LANCER); Lilly Pulitzer, Inc. v. Lilli Ann Corp., 376 F.2d 324, 153 USPQ 406 (C.C.P.A. 1967) (THE LILLY and
`LILLI ANN); In re Toshiba Med. Sys. Corp., 91 USPQ2d 1266 (TTAB 2009) (TITAN and VANTAGE TITAN); In re El Torito Rests., Inc., 9
`USPQ2d 2002 (TTAB 1988) (MACHO and MACHO COMBOS); In re Corning Glass Works, 229 USPQ 65 (TTAB 1985) (CONFIRM and
`CONFIRMCELLS); In re U.S. Shoe Corp., 229 USPQ 707 (TTAB 1985) (CAREER IMAGE and CREST CAREER IMAGES); In re Riddle,
`225 USPQ 630 (TTAB 1985) (ACCUTUNE and RICHARD PETTY’S ACCU TUNE); TMEP §1207.01(b)(iii).
`
`(cid:160)B
`
`Similarity of Goods/Services
`.(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`If the goods and/or services of the respective parties are “similar in kind and/or closely related,” or identical as in the instant application and the
`cited registrations, the degree of similarity between the marks required to support a finding of likelihood of confusion is not as great as would be
`required with diverse goods and/or services.(cid:160) In re J.M. Originals Inc., 6 USPQ2d 1393, 1394 (TTAB 1987); see Shen Mfg. Co. v. Ritz Hotel Ltd.,
`393 F.3d 1238, 1242, 73 USPQ2d 1350, 1354 (Fed. Cir. 2004); TMEP §1207.01(b).(cid:160) Therefore, the additional terms in the applicant’s proposed
`mark are less likely to avoid confusion with the existing registrations including the same name, FAVRE.
`
`(cid:160)C
`
`Conclusion
`.(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`Although applicant’s mark has been refused registration, applicant may respond to the refusal(s) by submitting evidence and arguments in
`support of registration.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant should note the following additional ground for refusal.
`
`SECTION 2(a) REFUSAL – FALSE CONNECTION
`
`Registration is refused because the applied-for mark consists of or includes matter which may falsely suggest a connection with the football
`player Brett Favre.(cid:160) Although Brett Favre is not connected with the goods and/or services provided by applicant under the applied-for mark,
`Brett Favre is so famous that consumers would presume a connection.(cid:160) Trademark Act Section 2(a), 15 U.S.C. §1052(a); see TMEP §§1203.03,
`1203.03(e).(cid:160) See generally Univ. of Notre Dame du Lac v. J.C. Gourmet Food Imps. Co., 703 F.2d 1372, 217 USPQ 505 (Fed. Cir. 1983); In re
`Nuclear Research Corp., 16 USPQ2d 1316 (TTAB 1990); Univ. of Ala. v. BAMA-Werke Curt Baumann, 231 USPQ 408 (TTAB 1986); In re
`Cotter & Co., 228 USPQ 202 (TTAB 1985); Buffett v. Chi-Chi’s, Inc. , 226 USPQ 428 (TTAB 1985).
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he following is required for a showing of false connection under Trademark Act Section 2(a):
`
`(1)(cid:160) The mark sought to be registered is the same as, or a close approximation of, the name or identity previously used by another person
`or institution;
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`

`

`(2)(cid:160) The mark would be recognized as such, in that it points uniquely and unmistakably to that person or institution;
`
`(3)(cid:160) The person or institution identified in the mark is not connected with the goods sold or services performed by applicant under the
`mark; and
`
`(4)(cid:160) The fame or reputation of the named person or institution is of such a nature that a connection with such person or institution would
`be presumed when applicant’s mark is used on its goods and/or services.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`n re Peter S. Herrick, P.A., 91 USPQ2d 1505, 1507 (TTAB 2009); In re MC MC S.r.l., 88 USPQ2d 1378, 1379 (TTAB 2008); TMEP
`§1203.03(e); see also Univ. of Notre Dame du Lac v. J.C. Gourmet Food Imps. Co., 703 F.2d 1372, 1375-77, 217 USPQ 505, 508-10 (Fed. Cir.
`1983) (providing foundational principles for the current four-part test used to determine the existence of a false connection).
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`s stated above, the mark contains the term FAVRE, and the applicant states in their application that the "trademark parodies NFLs (National
`Football League's) acronym, as well as Brett Favre's departure from the NFL."(cid:160) Therefore, even the applicant admits that the surname FAVRE
`
`refers to the famous NFL all-star football player, Brett Favre.(cid:160) This admission satisfies prongs (1) and (2) above.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`With respect to prong (3) above, it is presumed that Brett Favre is not associated with the applicant or the goods on which the mark will be used.(cid:160)
`Therefore, prong (3) is satisfied.
`
`(cid:160)F
`
`inally, the named person in the mark, Brett Favre, is famous.(cid:160) He is the “the NFL’s All-Time Winningest Quarterback,” according to Brett
`Favre’s official website, www.officialbrettfavre.com/bio/.(cid:160) See also www.nfl.com/players/brettfavre.... If applicant’s goods and/or services are
`of a type that the named person or institution sells or uses, and the named party is sufficiently famous, then it may be inferred that purchasers of
`the goods and/or services would be misled into making a false connection of sponsorship, approval, support or the like with the named party.(cid:160) In
`re Cotter & Co., 228 USPQ 202 (TTAB 1985); In re Nat’l Intelligence Acad. , 190 USPQ 570 (TTAB 1976).(cid:160) In the instant case, as can be seen
`by attached U.S. Registration Nos. 2988406 and 2976329, attached hereto and both owned by Brett Favre, the famous person named in the
`proposed mark does sell goods of the same type as the application, and thus, it is even more likely that consumers will make a false connection
`between Brett Favre and the goods provided by the applicant.(cid:160) Moreover, Brett Favre’s connection with the NFL, on which the applicant’s
`overall mark is parodied (according to the applicant) is highly likely.(cid:160) Therefore, prong (4) of the above test is also satisfied.
`
`(cid:160)F
`
`or all of these reasons, consumers would be likely to make a false connection between the source of the applicant’s goods and the retired NFL
`quarterback Brett Favre, and so registration must be refused under Section 2(a) of the Trademark Act.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`lthough applicant’s mark has been refused registration, applicant may respond to the refusal(s) by submitting evidence and arguments in
`support of registration.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant must respond to the requirement(s) set forth below.
`
`CONSENT OF PERSON NAMED IN MARK
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant must clarify whether the name or signature in the applied-for mark identifies a particular living individual.(cid:160) Written consent is required
`for registration of a name, including a pseudonym, stage name or nickname, or signature, if the name or signature identifies a specific living
`
`individual.(cid:160) Trademark Act Section 2(c), 15 U.S.C. §1052(c); TMEP §813; see TMEP §§1206 et seq.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`NOTE:(cid:160) If the applicant files a consent statement from Brett Favre, then this may overcome the Section 2(a) False Connection refusal made
`above.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`f the name or signature shown in the mark identifies a particular living individual, then applicant must submit the following:(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`(1)(cid:160) A written consent, personally signed by the individual whose name or signature appears in the mark, authorizing applicant to register
`the name, pseudonym, stage name, nickname or signature as a trademark and/or service mark with the USPTO; and
`
`(2)(cid:160) A statement that FAVRE identifies a living individual whose consent is of record.(cid:160) If the name represents that of a pseudonym, stage
`name or nickname, applicant must include a statement that FAVRE identifies the [pseudonym/nickname] of Brett Favre, a living
`individual whose consent is of record.
`
`(cid:160)S
`
`ee TMEP §§813, 813.01(a), 1206.04(a).
`
`(cid:160)H
`
`owever, if the name or signature in the mark does not identify a living individual, then applicant must submit a statement that FAVRE
`does not identify a living individual.(cid:160) TMEP §§813.01(b), 1206.05.
`
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`

`

`(cid:160)U
`
`NNECESSARY SECTION 2(F) CLAIM OF ACQUIRED DISTINCTIVENESS
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant claims that the applied-for mark has acquired distinctiveness under Trademark Act Section 2(f).(cid:160) However, this claim is unnecessary
`because the mark appears to be inherently distinctive.(cid:160) See 15 U.S.C. §1052(f); TMEP §1212.02(d).
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant can withdraw the claim of acquired distinctiveness by instructing the trademark examining attorney to delete it from the application
`record.(cid:160) See TMEP §1212.02(d).(cid:160) If applicant does not withdraw the claim, it will remain in the application record and be printed on the
`registration certificate.
`
`UNNECESSARY TRANSLATION – PLEASE DELETE
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he applicant provided a translation statement that appears to be unnecessary because the terms in the translation statement are not in the mark
`as filed.(cid:160) More specifically, the translation statement references foreign wording “No Favre Liga”, but the proposed mark is “NO FAVRE
`LEAGUE” and this wording is in English and does not require a translation. (cid:160) 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(9); see TMEP §809.(cid:160) Therefore, the translation
`statement provided by the applicant should be deleted from the record.
`
`UNNECESSARY CONCURRENT USE STATEMENT – PLEASE DELETE
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he applicant has included a “Concurrent Use Claim” in the application. (cid:160) However, this claim appears to be unnecessary and also premature.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`In a concurrent use application, the applicant normally requests a geographically restricted registration. The applicant seeks registration
`for a specified geographical area of the United States and lists one or more parties who concededly have rights in the mark in other
`geographical areas of the United States. These other parties may own applications or registrations, or they may have common law rights
`in a mark, but no application or registration.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`MEP § 1207.04(a).(cid:160) TMEP § 1207.04(b) states that “[i]n an application based on a bona fide intent to use the mark in commerce under 15
`U.S.C. §1051(b), the applicant may not amend to seek concurrent use registration until the applicant files an acceptable allegation of use. 37
`C.F.R. §§2.73 and 2.99(g).
`
`USE IN OTHER FORM STATEMENT – IMPROPER IN A SECTION 1(B) INTENT TO USE APPLICATION
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he applicant must delete the statement that the “mark was first used anywhere in a different form….and in commerce at least as early as
`02/03/2011” since the applicant was filed under Section 1(b) as an intent to use application. (cid:160) Statements about the use of the mark are
`inappropriate until an acceptable allegation of use has been filed.
`
`ADVISORY – POSSIBLE ORNAMENTATION REFUSAL UPON FILING OF ALLEGATION OF USE
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant is advised that, upon consideration of an allegation of use, registration may be refused on the ground that the applied-for mark, as used
`on the specimen of record, is merely ornamental, and as such does not function as a trademark to identify and distinguish applicant’s goods
`from those of others and to indicate the source of applicant’s goods. (cid:160) Trademark Act Sections 1, 2 and 45, 15 U.S.C. §§1051-1052, 1127; see In
`re David Crystal, Inc., 296 F.2d 771, 132 USPQ 1 (C.C.P.A. 1961); In re Villeroy & Boch S.A.R.L., 5 USPQ2d 1451 (TTAB 1987); TMEP
`§§904.07(b), 1202.03 et seq.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he following factors are considered when determining whether the public would perceive the applied-for mark as a trademark or merely as a
`decorative or ornamental feature:(cid:160) the commercial impression made by the mark on the specimen, any prior registrations of the same mark for
`other goods and/or services, promotion of the applied-for mark as a trademark, and the practice of the relevant trade.(cid:160) See In re Todd Co., 290
`F.2d 597, 129 USPQ 408 (C.C.P.A. 1961); In re Dimitri's Inc., 9 USPQ2d 1666 (TTAB 1988); In re Paramount Pictures Corp., 213 USPQ 1111
`(TTAB 1982); In re Jockey Int’l, Inc. , 192 USPQ 579 (TTAB 1976); TMEP §§1202.03 et seq.
`
`RESPONSE GUIDELINES
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`here is no required format or form for responding to an Office action.(cid:160) The Office recommends applicants use the Trademark Electronic
`Application System (TEAS) to respond to Office actions online at http://www.uspto.gov/teas/index.html.(cid:160) However, if applicant responds on
`paper via regular mail, the response should include the title “Response to Office Action” and the following information: (cid:160) (1) the name and law
`office number of the examining attorney, (2) the serial number and filing date of the application, (3) the mailing date of this Office action, (4)
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`

`

`applicant’s name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (if applicable), and (5) the mark. (cid:160) 37 C.F.R. §2.194(b)(1); TMEP §302.03(a).
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he response should address each refusal and/or requirement raised in the Office action.(cid:160) If a refusal has issued, applicant can argue against the
`refusal; i.e., applicant can submit arguments and evidence as to why the refusal should be withdrawn and the mark should register.(cid:160) To respond to
`requirements, applicant should set forth in writing the required changes or statements and request that the Office enter them into the application
`
`record.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`The response must be personally signed or the electronic signature manually entered by applicant or someone with legal authority to bind
`applicant (i.e., a corporate officer of a corporate applicant, the equivalent of an officer for unincorporated organizations or limited liability
`company applicants, a general partner of a partnership applicant, each applicant for applications with multiple individual applicants).(cid:160) TMEP
`§§605.02, 712.
`
`(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. §2.191; TMEP §§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 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 H. Dixon/
`Attorney Advisor, Law Office 110
`
`(cid:160)j
`
`ennifer.dixon@uspto.gov
`Phone: 571-272-9359
`Fax:(cid:160) 571-273-9110
`
`(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 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(cid:160)questions about the Office action itself, please contact the assigned trademark examining attorney.(cid:160)(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(cid:160)an individual applicant or(cid:160)someone with legal authority to bind an
`applicant (i.e., a corporate officer, a general partner, all joint applicants).(cid:160)(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 Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval (TARR) at
`http://tarr.uspto.gov/. (cid:160) Please keep a copy of the complete TARR screen. (cid:160) If TARR shows no change for more than six months, 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/teas/eTEASpageE.htm.
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`

`

`Print: May 11, 2011
`
`75415738
`
`TYPED DRAWING
`
`Serial Number
`15415738
`
`Status
`REGISTERED
`
`Word Marl:
`FAVRE
`
`Standard Character Mark
`No
`
`Registration NI.II"I'IhBf
`2988406
`
`Date Registered
`2005fO8f3O
`
`Type of Mark
`TRADEMARK
`
`Register
`PRINCIPAL
`
`Mark Drawing Code
`[1] TYPED DRAWING
`
`U'WI1Bf
`Favre, Brett INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES cfo C. Thomas Sylke Sylke Law
`Offices
`756 N. Milwaukee St., Suite 210
`Milwaukee WISCONSIN 53202
`
`Goodafservices
`O02 O05 O22 O23 029 O3? O38 050.
`US
`IC 016.
`Class Status —— ACTIVE.
`G & S: Printed matter, namely, posters,
`trading cards, books, namely,
`sports books, and biographies. First Use: 2001/Olffll. First Use In
`Commerce: ZOOIIOIIOI.
`
`GDDHSISEIVICES
`G & S: Clothing,
`O22 039.
`US
`IC 025.
`Class Status —— ACTIVE.
`namely, shirts. First Use: 199Tf01f01. First Use In Commerce:
`199?/OIHOI.
`
`Prior Re-gistratioms)
`2487968
`
`Section 2|‘ Statement
`2 [F] ENTIRE MARK
`
`

`

`Print: May 11, 2011
`
`75415738
`
`Filing Date
`1998f01f09
`
`Examining Attorney
`RUPP, TERESA M .
`
`Attorney of Record
`C THOMAS SYLKE
`
`

`

`Print: May 11, 2011
`
`75415742
`
`TYPED DRAWING
`
`Serial Number
`15415742
`
`Status
`REGISTERED
`
`Word Marl:
`BRETT FAVRE
`
`Standard Character Mark
`No
`
`Registration NI.II"I'IhBf
`2976329
`
`Date Registered
`2005fO?f26
`
`Type of Mark
`TRADEMARPC;
`
`sERvIcE MARI-C
`
`Register
`PRINCIPAL
`
`Mark Drawing Code
`[1] TYPED DRAWING
`
`CMNHBT
`Favre, Brett INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES Suite 210, cfo C. Thomas Sylke
`756 N. Milwaukee Street Milwaukee WISCONSIN 53202
`
`Goodslse-wines
`Class Status —— ACTIVE.
`
`IC 035.
`
`US
`
`100 I01 102.
`
`G & 3: Endorsement
`
`services, namely, promoting the goods and services of others through
`the issuance of product and service endorsements. First Use:
`I998/Olffll. First Use In Commerce: 1998/Ol/OI.
`
`Goodsfserviues
`Class Status —— ACTIVE.
`
`Is 015.
`
`us
`
`002 005 022 023 029 037 038 050.
`
`trading cards, books, namely,
`G & 5: Printed matter, namely, posters,
`commemorative books, publications namely programs for professional
`football championship games, football season reviews and summaries.
`First Use:
`IQQQIDEIDI. First Use In Commerce:
`IQQQKDEKDI.
`
`Goodsfservices
`G & S: Clothing,
`O22 039.
`US
`IC 025.
`Class Status —— ACTIVE.
`namely, shirts, pants, caps, athletic shoes, shoes and jackets. First
`Use:
`IBBBXOEXOI. First Use In Commerce: 1999/06/01.
`
`.1.
`
`

`

`Print: May 11, 2011
`
`75415742
`
`Goodefservices
`Class Status -- HCTIVE.
`
`IC 028.
`
`US
`
`O22 O23 O38 050.
`
`G & 8:
`
`toys in the nature of collector
`Sporting goods, namely, footballs,
`helmets and souvenir helmets. First Use:
`l99TfOlfOl. First Use In
`Commerce:
`l997HOlfOl.
`
`Goodslservices
`Class Status —— ACTIVE.
`
`IC 009.
`
`US
`
`O21 O23 O26 O36 038.
`
`G & 3:
`
`Football helmets and protective helmets. First Use:
`First Use In Commerce:
`l99Tf01f01.
`
`l99THOlHOl.
`
`Goodsfservices
`Class Status —— ACTIVE.
`
`IC 041.
`
`US
`
`100 lOl
`
`IOT.
`
`G & 8:
`
`Entertainment services in the nature of personal appearances by a
`football player. First Use:
`l998fOlfOl. First Use In Commerce:
`LBQBIOIIOI.
`
`Flllng Date
`1998/01/09
`
`Examining Attorney
`MIcKLEeuRcH,LINnA
`
`Attorney of Record
`c THOMAS SYLI-{E
`
`

`

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`Early years
`
`Favre was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, and raised in the small town of Kiln. He is the second of four-children and attended Hancock
`North Central High School where he played baseball and football. Favre started for the Hancock North Central baseball team as an
`eighth-grader and earned five varsity letters. He played quarterback, lineman, strong safety, placekicker and punter in a primarily
`option, run—oriented offense coached by his father, Irvin Favre.
`
`Irvin Favre said he knew his son had a great arm but also knew that the school was blessed with good running backs. As a result, in
`the three years Brett was on the team, his father ran the wishbone, a run—oriented offense. Favre rarely threw more than five passes
`in a game.
`
`College career
`
`After high school, Southern Mississippi offered Favre a scholarship (the only one he received). Southern Miss wanted him to play
`defensive back but Favre wanted to play quarterback instead. Favre began his freshman year as the seventh—string quarterback and
`took over the starting position in the second half of the third game of the year against Tulane on September 19, 198?. Favre, despite
`suffering a hangover from the night before and vomiting during warm—ups, led the Golden Eagles to a come—from—behind victory with
`two touchdown passes.
`
`'
`
`In his junior season, Favre led the Golden Eagles to an upset of Florida State (then ranked sixth in the
`nation) on September 2, 1989. Favre capped a six—and—a—half—minute drive with the game-winning
`touchdown pass with 23 seconds remaining.
`
`On July 14,1990, before the start of Favre's senior year at Southern Miss, he was involved in a near-
`fatal car accident. when going around a bend a few tenths of a mile from his parents' house, Favre
`lost control of his car, which flipped three times and came to rest against a tree. It was only after one
`of his brothers smashed a car window with a golf club that Favre could be evacuated to the hospital.
`In the ambulance, his mother was sitting with him. "All I kept asking [her] was "Will
`I be able to play
`football again?"' Favre recalled later. Doctors would later remove 30 inches (?6U mm) of Favre's small
`intestine. Six weeks after this incident, on September El, Favre led Southern Miss to a comeback
`victory over Alabama. Alabama coach Gene Stallings said, "You can call it a miracle or a legend or
`whatever you want to. Ijust know that on that day, Brett Favre was larger than life."
`
`Favre continues to hold variou