Grupo Nutec S.A. de C.V.Download PDFTrademark Trial and Appeal BoardSep 13, 201987426591 (T.T.A.B. Sep. 13, 2019) Copy Citation Mailed: September 13, 2019 UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE Trademark Trial and Appeal Board ———— In re Grupo Nutec S.A. de C.V. ———— Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 ———— Jeffrey M. Goehring of Young & Thompson, for Grupo Nutec S.A. de C.V. Laura E. Fionda, Trademark Examining Attorney, Law Office 108, Steven R. Berk, Managing Attorney. ———— Before Cataldo, Kuczma, and Pologeorgis, Administrative Trademark Judges. Opinion by Pologeorgis, Administrative Trademark Judge: Grupo Nutec S.A. de C.V. (“Applicant”) seeks registration on the Principal Register of the marks NUTEC (in standard characters)1 and ,2 both for “ceramic fiber insulating materials” in International Class 17. 1 Application Serial No. 87426591, filed on April 26, 2017, based on use in commerce under Section 1(a) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1051(a), claiming December 19, 2013 as both the date of first use and the date of first use in commerce. 2 Application Serial No. 87426641, filed on April 26, 2017, based on use in commerce under Section 1(a) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1051(a), claiming December 19, 2013 as both the date of first use and the date of first use in commerce. The description of the mark reads as follows: “The mark consists of the word ‘NUTEC’ in a stylized blue font.” The color blue is claimed as a feature of the mark. THIS OPINION IS NOT A PRECEDENT OF THE TTAB Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 2 The Trademark Examining Attorney refused registration of each of Applicant’s marks under Section 2(d) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1052(d), on the ground of likelihood of confusion with the mark NEWTEX (in standard characters) registered on the Principal Register for “Fiberglass, non-asbestos, fire and smoke curtains for use in theaters, schools, and other buildings to prevent the spread of fire and smoke; material for thermal insulation and fire protection, namely, fire-resistant fabric made of fiberglass” in International Class 17.3 When the refusals were made final, Applicant appealed and requested reconsideration. When the requests for reconsideration were denied, the appeals resumed. The appeals are fully briefed. We affirm the refusals to register.4 I. Appeals Consolidated These appeals involve common questions of law and fact and the records are substantially similar. Accordingly, we consolidate and decide both appeals in this single decision. See In re Anderson, 101 USPQ2d 1912, 1915 (TTAB 2012); In re Binion, 93 USPQ2d 1531, 1533 (TTAB 2009); TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD MANUAL OF PROCEDURE (“TBMP”) § 1214 (2019). We have considered all arguments and evidence filed in each appeal and have taken into account relevant factual differences between them. 3 Registration No. 4310720, issued on March 26, 2013; Sections 8 & 15 combined declaration accepted and acknowledged. 4 Unless otherwise specified, all TTABVUE and Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (“TSDR”) citations reference the docket and electronic file database for Application Serial No. 87426591. All citations to the TSDR database are to the downloadable .PDF version of the documents. Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 3 II. Likelihood of Confusion Our determination under Section 2(d) is based on an analysis of all probative facts in evidence that are relevant to the factors bearing on the issue of likelihood of confusion. In re E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 476 F.2d 1357, 177 USPQ 563, 567 (CCPA 1973) (“DuPont”); see also In re Majestic Distilling Co., 315 F.3d 1311, 65 USPQ2d 1201, 1203 (Fed. Cir. 2003). In any likelihood of confusion analysis, however, two key considerations are the similarities between the marks and the similarities between the goods. See Federated Foods, Inc. v. Fort Howard Paper Co., 544 F.2d 1098, 192 USPQ 24, 29 (CCPA 1976) (“The fundamental inquiry mandated by § 2(d) goes to the cumulative effect of differences in the essential characteristics of the goods and differences in the marks.”). A. Similarity of the Marks We initially address the first DuPont likelihood of confusion factor focusing on “the similarity or dissimilarity of the marks in their entireties as to appearance, sound, connotation and commercial impression.” Palm Bay Imps., Inc. v. Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Maison Fondee En 1772, 396 F.3d 1369, 73 USPQ2d 1689, 1691 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (quoting DuPont, 177 USPQ at 567). “The proper test is not a side- by-side comparison of the marks, but instead whether the marks are sufficiently similar in terms of their commercial impression such that persons who encounter the marks would be likely to assume a connection between the parties.” Coach Servs. Inc. v. Triumph Learning LLC, 668 F.3d 1356, 101 USPQ2d 1713, 1721 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (quotation omitted). Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 4 Because this factor is based on the marks in their entireties, our analysis cannot be predicated on dissecting the marks into their various components; that is, the decision must be based on the entire marks, not just part of the marks. In re Nat’l Data Corp., 753 F.2d 1056, 224 USPQ 749, 751 (Fed. Cir. 1985); see also Franklin Mint Corp. v. Master Mfg. Co., 667 F.2d 1005, 212 USPQ 233, 234 (CCPA 1981) (“It is axiomatic that a mark should not be dissected and considered piecemeal; rather, it must be considered as a whole in determining likelihood of confusion.”). On the other hand, there is nothing improper in assigning more or less weight to a particular feature of a mark, provided the ultimate conclusion rests on a consideration of the marks in their entireties. Nat’l Data, 224 USPQ at 751. Applicant’s marks are NUTEC in standard characters and . The cited mark is NEWTEX in standard characters. In support of the refusals, the Examining Attorney argues that the marks are confusingly similar because they have a similar structure and look and could be pronounced the same way.5 Specifically, the Examining Attorney contends that the marks begin with the letter N and the “nü” sound.6 The Examining Attorney further maintains that the second syllable in each mark beginning with the letters “TE” and ending with a similar sounding consonant, could be pronounced the same in each mark.7 5 Examining Attorney’s Brief, p. 5; 9 TTABVUE 6; see also November 6, 2018 Denial of Request for Reconsideration, TSDR pp. 3 and 12. 6 Examining Attorney’s Brief, p. 5; 9 TTABVUE 6. 7 Id. Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 5 In traversing the refusals, Applicant argues that the marks at issue cannot be pronounced the same and, in fact, have distinctly different pronunciations in both the first portion and the second portion of each mark.8 In particular, Applicant points to the difference between the last letter in each mark, i.e., X versus C, which Applicant maintains requires that the marks to be pronounced differently.9 Additionally, Applicant contends that the first portion of its marks, namely, the letters “NU” is pronounced with the Spanish pronunciation of the letter U, making the U sound shorter in length than in English. Applicant submitted evidence demonstrating the differences in the pronunciation of the letter U in Spanish, as compared to the way it is pronounced in English.10 Moreover, while Applicant recognizes the principle that there is no correct pronunciation of a mark, Applicant relies on the Federal Circuit’s decision in Sonocor Group, Inc. v. Specialty Coatings, Inc., 759 F.3d 1327, 111 USPQ2d 1649 (Fed. Cir. 2014), for the proposition that, when there is evidence of record on how to pronounce a mark, the Board may not disregard such evidence and must evaluate the similarities in sound based on such evidence in making a determination of whether the marks are similar for likelihood of confusion purposes.11 With regard to the connotation and commercial impression of the marks at issue, Applicant maintains that, when considering the goods at issue, the suggestive 8 Applicant’s Appeal Brief, pp. 5-6, 7 TTABVUE 7-8. 9 Id. at p. 6, 7 TTABVUE 8. 10 Applicant’s September 12, 2018 Request for Reconsideration, 4 TTABVUE 23-54. 11 Applicant’s Appeal Brief, p. 7, 7 TTABVUE 9. Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 6 connotation of the cited NEWTEX mark is “new textile,” while the connotation of Applicant’s NUTEC marks is “new technology.”12 As such, Applicant argues that because marks have different connotations and commercial impressions, confusion as to source is not likely.13 We find Applicant’s arguments unpersuasive and its reliance on the Sonocor decision misplaced. We first note that it is not necessary for the marks at issue to be pronounced identically in order to find a likelihood of confusion; instead, the marks only need to be similar in sound. Here, both marks consist of two syllables. The first syllable of Applicant’s marks consist of the letters NU and the first syllable of the cited mark consists of the letters NEW. We find that the first syllable of each mark would be pronounced in a similar, if not identical, manner. Moreover, the second portion or syllable of each mark begins with the letters TE. While we acknowledge that the last letter in each mark, namely, X versus C, are not pronounced identically, this minor distinction between the marks does not detract from their overall similar appearance in structure, as well as their similarity in pronunciation or sound.14 12 Id. at pp. 10-11, 7 TTABVUE 12-13. 13 Id. 14 We additionally note that the cited NEWTEX mark is a standard character mark, and marks appearing in standard character form may be displayed in any stylization, font, color and size, including the identical stylization, font and blue color of Applicant’s mark, because the rights reside in the wording and not in any particular display or rendition. See Squirtco v. Tomy Corp., 697 F.2d 1038, 216 USPQ 937, 939 (Fed. Cir. 1983) ((“[T]he argument concerning a difference in type style is not viable where one party asserts rights in no particular display. By presenting its mark merely in a typed drawing, a difference cannot legally be asserted by that party.”) Thus, because the cited mark may be displayed in the identical manner as Applicant’s mark, the stylization and claimed color of Applicant’s mark is insufficient to distinguish the parties’ respective marks. Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 7 With regard to Applicant’s argument that potential consumers would pronounce the letter U in the first portion of Applicant’s marks as it would be pronounced in Spanish is unavailing.15 Applicant has not submitted any evidence which demonstrates that it instructs its potential consumers how to pronounce its NUTEC applied-for marks in general or that the U in Applicant’s NUTEC marks would have a Spanish pronunciation. The only evidence regarding the pronunciation of Applicant’s marks is the voiceover of certain videos on Applicant’s website where the speaker in the video states Applicant’s mark during the course of the videos.16 These videos themselves, however, do not specifically educate the potential consumer on how to correctly pronounce Applicant’s marks. Accordingly, potential consumers of Applicant’s NUTEC products, particularly non-Spanish speaking customers, who view Applicant’s website may not necessarily view the videos on the website and therefore would not be subject to Applicant’s intended pronunciation of its mark. Thus, potential consumers, upon viewing Applicant’s mark on its website, may pronounce the first portion of Applicant’s NUTEC mark as “new,” an identical pronunciation to the first portion of the cited NEWTEX mark. Moreover, with regard to the Sonocor decision, upon which Applicant relies, the particular circumstances of that case are distinguishable from the circumstances 15 Applicant’s counsel’s arguments regarding the correct pronunciation of Applicant’s marks is not evidence. See Gemtron Corp. v. Saint-Gobain Corp., 572 F.3d 1371, 91 USPQ2d 1409, 1415 (Fed. Cir. 2009) (reasoning that a party's “unsworn attorney argument ... is not evi- dence” and thus cannot rebut record evidence); Enzo Biochem, Inc. v. Gen-Probe, Inc., 424 F.3d 1276, 76 USPQ2d 1616, 1622 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (“Attorney argument is no substitute for evidence.”). 16 Applicant’s September 12, 2018 Request for Reconsideration, 4 TTABVUE 144-45. Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 8 here. In Sonocor, the plaintiff submitted testimony from one of its corporate officers on how its pleaded mark is pronounced. Sonocor, 111 USPQ2d at 1332. That same witness also testified that the plaintiff employed a direct sales force, each of whom would call potential consumers directly. Id. Although the Federal Circuit noted that the record in that case did not reflect how these direct sales employees pronounced plaintiff’s pleaded mark, it nonetheless found that it was a reasonable inference from the corporate officer’s testimony that the plaintiff’s employees follow the plaintiff’s pronunciation of its pleaded mark. Id. Unlike the circumstances in Sonocor, Applicant has not submitted any affidavits or declarations from any of its corporate officers on how its applied-for mark is to be pronounced. Moreover, as noted above, the only evidence regarding the pronunciation of Applicant’s mark is the voiceover of the videos on Applicant’s website. As noted, however, potential consumers may not necessarily view these videos when visiting Applicant’s website and, therefore, would not be aware of the intended pronunciation of Applicant’s NUTEC marks. As for meaning or significance of the marks, there is no evidence that NUTEC or NEWTEX, when viewed in their entireties, have any meaning or that they are anything other than coined terms. Moreover, regardless of Applicant’s unsupported arguments concerning the differing connotations and commercial impressions of the parties’ respective marks, because the marks NUTEC and NEWTEX are similar in structure and sound, and since both are coined terms with no established meaning on this record, we find that they create a similar overall commercial impression. We Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 9 further note, as did the Federal Circuit in the Sonocor decision, that there is no correct pronunciation of a trademark that is not a recognized term, as is the case with the marks at issue. Sonocor, 111 USPQ2d at 1651 (citing In re Belgrade Shoe Co., 411 F.2d 1352, 162 USPQ 227 (CCPA 1969)); see also In re Allegiance Staffing, 115 USPQ2d 1319, 1325 (TTAB 2015) (no correct pronunciation of mark that is coined term). We must consider Applicant’s and Registrant’s marks in their entireties. Thus, we have taken into account all of the differences in appearance, sound, meaning and commercial impression between them. We nonetheless find that despite these differences, given the similarities in sound, the marks are more similar than dissimilar for likelihood of confusion purposes. Indeed, similarity in sound alone may be sufficient to support a finding that the marks are confusingly similar. In re 1st USA Realty Prof'ls, Inc., 84 USPQ2d 1581, 1586 (TTAB 2007); see also In re White Swan Ltd., 8 USPQ2d 1534, 1535 (TTAB 1988); TRADEMARK MANUAL OF EXAMINING PROCEDURE (“TMEP”) § 1207.01(b)(iv) (October 2018). Accordingly, the first DuPont factor favors a finding of likelihood of confusion. B. Similarity of the Goods We next turn to the comparison of the goods at issue, the second DuPont factor. In making our determination regarding the relatedness of the goods, we must look to the goods as identified in Applicant’s applications and the cited registration. See Stone Lion Capital Partners, LP v. Lion Capital LLP, 746 F.3d 1317, 110 USPQ2d 1157, 1162 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (quoting Octocom Sys., Inc. v. Hous. Comput. Servs. Inc., 918 F.2d 937, 16 USPQ2d 1783, 1787 (Fed. Cir. 1990) (“The authority is legion that Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 10 the question of registrability of an applicant’s mark must be decided on the basis of the identification of goods set forth in the application regardless of what the record may reveal as to the particular nature of an applicant’s goods, the particular channels of trade or the class of purchasers to which the sales of goods are directed.”)); see also In re Giovanni Food Co., 97 USPQ2d 1990, 1991 (TTAB 2011). It is settled that it is not necessary that the respective goods be identical or even competitive in order to find that they are related. It is sufficient if the respective goods are “related in some manner and/or if the circumstances surrounding their marketing [be] such that they could give rise to the mistaken belief that the goods emanate from the same source.” Coach Servs. Inc., 101 USPQ2d at 1722 (quoting 7-Eleven Inc. v. Wechsler, 83 USPQ2d 1715, 1724 (TTAB 2007)); see also In re Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc., 748 F.2d 1565, 223 USPQ 1289, 1290 (Fed. Cir. 1984); In re Melville Corp., 18 USPQ2d 1386, 1388 (TTAB 1991). The issue is not whether purchasers would confuse the goods, but rather whether there is a likelihood of confusion as to the source of these goods. L’Oreal S.A. v. Marcon, 102 USPQ2d 1434, 1439 (TTAB 2012); In re Rexel Inc., 223 USPQ 830, 832 (TTAB 1984). Applicant’s goods in each involved application are identified as “ceramic fiber insulating materials.” The goods set forth in the cited registration are “Fiberglass, non-asbestos, fire and smoke curtains for use in theaters, schools, and other buildings to prevent the spread of fire and smoke; material for thermal insulation and fire protection, namely, fire-resistant fabric made of fiberglass.” A likelihood of confusion may be found with respect to a particular class in an application based on any Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 11 product within the identification of goods for that class. See In re Wacker Neuson SE, 97 USPQ2d 1408, 1409 (TTAB 2010) (citing Tuxedo Monopoly, Inc. v. Gen. Mills Fun Grp., 648 F.2d 1335, 209 USPQ 986, 988 (CCPA 1981)) (emphasis added). To demonstrate that Applicant’s and Registrant’s goods are related, the Examining Attorney submitted Internet evidence showing that it is common for a single entity to provide both ceramic and fiberglass insulation materials under the same mark. The evidence is summarized below: • www.ceramicfiber.com – company offering for sale both ceramic fiber materials and fiberglass insulation materials;17 • www.pacorinc.com – company offering both ceramic insulation products and fiberglass insulation materials;18 • www.thermalproductsco.com – company offering both ceramic fiber materials and fiberglass textiles;19 • www.ceramicfiberonline.com – offering both ceramic fiber blankets and insulation materials and fiberglass and silica insulation textiles. This company’s website also notes that the goods may be purchased online via the website;20 • www.miniseal.com – offering both ceramic fiber insulation materials and fiberglass insulting cloth;21 and • www.unifrax.com– offering both ceramic fiber insulation materials and thermal insulation material and products for fire protection.22 17 August 1, 2017 Office Action, TSDR pp. 9-11. 18 Id., TSDR pp. 12-15. 19 Id., TSDR p. 16. 20 March 12, 2018 Final Office Action, TSDR pp. 7-8. 21 Id., TSDR pp. 9-10. 22 Id., TSDR pp. 5-6. Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 12 In traversing the refusals, Applicant argues that the parties’ respective goods are unrelated because they do not overlap.23 Specifically, Applicant maintains that its goods are insulation materials while the Registrant’s goods are limited to just fabric and curtains.24 In support of its argument, Applicant submitted extrinsic evidence purportedly from the parties’ respective websites to demonstrate the differences between the parties’ respective goods.25 We find Applicant’s arguments unpersuasive. First, Applicant’s contention that Registrant’s goods are limited to mere curtains and fabric that have no insulation characteristics is incorrect. The identification of goods set forth in the cited registration clearly identifies the goods, in part, as “material for thermal insulation and fire protection, namely, fire-resistant fabric made of fiberglass.” (emphasis added). Moreover, as stated above, to determine the relationship between the goods, we are bound by the identifications in Applicant’s involved applications and the cited registration. In re Dixie Rests. Inc., 105 F.3d 1405, 41 USPQ2d 1531, 1534 (Fed. Cir. 1997) (“Likelihood of confusion must be determined based on an analysis of the marks as applied to the … [goods or] services recited in applicant’s application vis-à-vis the … [goods or] services recited in [a] …registration, rather than what the evidence shows the… [goods or] services to be.”) (citing Canadian Imperial Bank v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 811 F.2d 1490, 1 USPQ2d 1813, 1815 (Fed. Cir. 1987)). Applicant 23 Applicant’s Appeal Brief, p. 8, 7 TTABVUE 10. 24 Id. 25 January 30, 3017 Response to Office Action, TSDR pp. 4-7; September 12, 2018 Request for Reconsideration, TSDR pp. 55-264. Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 13 disregards this requirement by impermissibly relying upon extrinsic evidence in an attempt to distinguish the goods. See Coach Servs. Inc., 101 USPQ2d at 1722; Octocom Sys., 16 USPQ2d at 1787. Accordingly, we reject Applicant’s arguments based on the extrinsic evidence noted above. The record establishes that Applicant’s goods and Registrant’s goods are offered by third parties under the same marks. As such, consumers are likely to believe that the goods originate from the same source. Accordingly, the second DuPont factor also favors a finding of likelihood of confusion. C. Similarities in Trade Channels and Classes of Purchasers Next we consider established, likely-to-continue channels of trade, the third DuPont factor. Because there are no limitations as to channels of trade or classes of purchasers in either the applications or cited registration and the identified goods are related, we must presume that the goods identified in Applicant’s applications and the cited registration travel through all normal and usual trade channels for such goods, and that they are sold to all classes of prospective purchasers for those goods, i.e., consumers interested in fire retardant or fire insulating material. Stone Lion Capital, 110 USPQ2d at 1161; see also Coach Servs., 101 USPQ2d at 1723 (absent limitation “goods are presumed to travel in all normal channels ... for the relevant goods”). Moreover, the only probative evidence relating to the trade channels through which the goods at issue travel is the third-party website evidence submitted by the Examining Attorney discussed above. This evidence shows that Applicant’s goods and Registrant’s goods are the type of goods that may be provided in the same online marketplace to similar or overlapping purchasers. Therefore, the third DuPont factor Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 14 weighs in favor of finding a likelihood of confusion. D. Sophistication and Care of Consumers Under the fourth DuPont factor, we consider “[t]he conditions under which and buyers to whom sales are made, i.e., ‘impulse’ vs. careful, sophisticated purchasing.” DuPont, 177 USPQ at 567. Applicant argues that consumers of the parties’ respective goods are sophisticated in light of the nature of the goods at issue.26 As such, Applicant maintains that these sophisticated consumers would exercise greater care in their purchasing decisions and would therefore, in turn, notice the differences between the parties’ respective marks.27 Applicant has presented no evidence that the relevant consumers themselves are sophisticated. Applicant’s argument is predicated on its attorney’s assertion, which is not evidence. Zheng Cai v. Diamond Hong, Inc., 901 F.3d 1367, 127 USPQ2d 1797, 1800 (Fed. Cir. 2018). Even if there were evidence supporting the sophistication of Applicant’s customers, there is no evidence that Registrant’s customers or potential customers are sophisticated. Moreover, neither parties’ identifications contain limitations on the purchasers of the goods or on the conditions of purchase. In view thereof, the standard of care is that of the least sophisticated potential purchaser. See Stone Lion Capital, 110 USPQ2d at 1163 (“Board precedent requires the decision to be based ‘on the least sophisticated potential purchasers.’”). Notwithstanding, it is 26 Applicant’s Appeal Brief, p. 8-9, 7 TTABVUE 10-11. 27 Id. at p. 9, 7 TTABVUE 11. Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 15 well-settled that “even sophisticated purchasers are not immune from source confusion, especially in cases such as the present one involving similar marks and related goods.” In re i.am.symbollic, llc, 116 USPQ2d 1406, 1413 (TTAB 2015) (citing In re Research & Trading Corp., 793 F.2d 1276, 230 USP 49, 50 (Fed. Cir. 1986)), aff’d, 866 F.3d 1315, 123 USPQ2d 1744 (Fed. Cir. 2017); see also Carlisle Works, Inc. v. Hardman & Holden Ltd., 434 F.2d 1403, 168 USPQ 110, 112 (CCPA 1970) (“Human memories even of discriminating purchasers ... are not infallible.”). The similarity of the marks and the relatedness of the goods in this case “outweigh any presumed sophisticated purchasing decision.” In re i.am.symbolic, llc, 116 USPQ2d at 1413 (citing HRL Assocs., Inc. v. Weiss Assocs., Inc., 12 USPQ2d 1819, 1823 (TTAB 1989), aff'd, 902 F.2d 1546, 14 USPQ2d 1840 (Fed. Cir. 1990)). Thus, the fourth DuPont factor is neutral. III. Conclusion We have considered all of the arguments and evidence of record and all relevant DuPont factors. Because we have found that the marks at issue are similar and that Applicant’s identified goods are related to Registrant’s goods and that they would move in the same or overlapping trade channels and would be offered to the same or similar classes of purchasers, we conclude that Applicant’s marks, as used in connection with the goods identified in its involved applications, so resemble the cited mark as to be likely to cause confusion or mistake, or to deceive under Section 2(d) of the Trademark Act. Serial Nos. 87426591 and 87426641 16 Decision: The refusals to register Applicant’s marks NUTEC (in standard characters) and under Section 2(d) of the Trademark Act are affirmed. Copy with citationCopy as parenthetical citation