This week, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) introduced a new pilot program for holding Final Pretrial Conferences (FPC) in certain inter partes disputes (i.e., oppositions and cancellations) before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). The goal
trade mark
Supreme Court Considers the Reach of the Lanham Act Outside of United States
The United States Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, on the international limitations, if any, of the Lanham Act. In Abitron Austria GmbH, et al., v. Hetronic International, Inc. (No. 21-1043), the Court heard arguments not only…
A Later-Filed Unattacked Registration Establishes Priority in Board Proceedings
In a precedential decision, The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (“TTAB”) refused to reconsider its decision sustaining an opposition to registration of the mark “LOVETTE” on the basis of likelihood of confusion with the mark “NNENNA LOVETTE.” Nkanginieme v. Appleton…
Three Year Battle Ends with Lizzo Securing Registration for 100% THAT BITCH Mark
In a precedential decision, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (the “Board”) reversed two refusals to register Grammy-winning singer Lizzo’s 100% THAT BITCH trademarks.
Lizzo’s company, Lizzo LLC, applied for two word trademarks in June 2019 for 100% THAT BITCH…
Do Not Be Fooled (Part 2): USPTO Issues Warning of Spoof Calls from Scammers
We have written previously on this blog warning of misleading solicitations. For years, scammers have impersonated the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in mailings, seeking payments from trademark owners for nonexistent services, such as trademark renewals. This week…
Transliterations of Chinese Characters Require a Translation Statement
The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (“TTAB”) refused registration of the mark “ZHIMA” because the applicant, Advanced New Technologies Co., Ltd., did not submit a translation of ZHIMA into English. In re Advanced New Techs. Co., 2023 TTAB LEXIS…
USPTO Adds 75 Climate and Green-Tech Terms to Trademark ID Manual
Earlier this month, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced that it is adding new climate and green tech-related terms to the Trademark ID Manual.
The USPTO has already added 75 terms that include biomethane, research and development…
The Battle Continues After TTAB Refuses Registration for #LAW for Failure to Function as a Trademark
The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (“TTAB”) refused registration of #LAW on the Principal Register finding that #LAW failed to function as a trademark. Pound Law, LLC (“Pound Law” or “Applicant”) was unable to convince the Board that its vanity…
TTAB Sustains Opposition Based on Applicant’s Failure to Secure the Consent of a Living Individual

- Backpacks and shoulder bags for use in camping, and hiking, sold exclusively at sporting goods, outdoor, and mountaineering
After Years of Hounding from Jack Daniel’s, Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Bad Spaniels Parody Trademark Case

The dispute between Jack Daniel’s and VIP Products LLC (“VIP”) over a parody dog toy continues and will finally proceed to the Supreme Court. The case centers around a parody dog toy sold by VIP that mimics the label of…