Our weekly SoCal IP Institute meeting on Monday, September 9, 2013 will be a discussion of two recent TTAB decisions.

In Facebook Inc. v. Think Computer Corporation (TTAB July 23, 2013)  (available here), FACEBOOK prevailed in opposing Applicant’s mark FACEMAIL, a provider of emails and instant messaging services on the grounds of confusion and dilution.   Applicant called FACEBOOK a “trademark bully” and argued that there would be no confusion.   Using the du Pont test as well as survey data, FACEBOOK prevailed based on findings concerning its “fame.”

In In re Craigslist, Inc., (TTAB May 31, 2013) (available here), after years of appeals and briefing, the TTAB refused Craiglist’s request to register a peace symbol mark citing that Craigslist was unable to give this iconic universal symbol any distinctive character with regards to its services.

All are invited to join us in our discussion during the SoCal IP Institute meeting on Monday, September 9, 2013 at Noon in our Westlake Village office. This activity is approved for 1 hour of MCLE credit. If you will be joining us, please RSVP to Noelle Smith by 9 am Monday morning.