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Trademark Update. June 13, 2013. No Likelihood of Confusion?. TAMAYA is not confusingly similar to MAYA TTAB found dissimilarity based on: 3 syllables vs. 2 Different beginning – first part of mark creates greatest impression Different look and sound MAYA is diluted and weak
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Trademark Update June 13, 2013
No Likelihood of Confusion? • TAMAYA is not confusingly similar to MAYA • TTAB found dissimilarity based on: • 3 syllables vs. 2 • Different beginning – first part of mark creates greatest impression • Different look and sound • MAYA is diluted and weak • While TAMAYA has a meaning in a foreign language, the TTAB found the language to be obsolete and obscure and the that consumer is likely to perceive the mark as a coined term
No Disclaimer for “NATURALLY”? • The PTO refused registration of the mark NATURALLY POWERED for “all-natural coconut-based beverages” because applicant refused to disclaim the word NATURALLY. • The PTO asserted that NATURALLY is merely descriptive of the goods not containing synthetics, chemicals, preservatives, etc. • The TTAB reversed, holding that NATURALLY POWERED is a unitary expression • The multiple elements create an single commercial impression separate and apart from the meaning of the constituent terms • NATURALLY POWERED is a double entendre: the goods are powered by forces of nature/ the goods are powered in a natural manner.
Facebook Inc. v. Teachbook.com LLC (N.D. Ill 2011) • FACEBOOK sued TEACHBOOK for trademark infringement. TEACHBOOK moved to dismiss for failure to state a claim. Motion was denied. • In Europe, FACEBOOK argued it was distinguishable from FACTBOOK based on the “aural and conceptual differences between the marks” • TEACHBOOK’s website advertised the TEACHBOOK site as an alternative to FACEBOOK’s site as a confidential network not available to students