EMAIL: info@okeno-ip.jp
No. 148; Section 3-1-5: indistinctiveness refusal;
registrability of a simple triangle mark;
Appeal No. 2015-6576 (July
22, 2015)
Bottom line: The Board found that a triangle logo mark is inherently distinctive for goods
and services in Classes 9, 35, 36, 42 and 43.
The applicant sought
registration of a triangle logo mark shown below for goods and services in
Classes 9, 35, 36, 42 and 43.
<Applied-for
mark>
The examiner noted that
the mark is represented in a common manner and merely is a simple sign. She found the mark is not capable of
functioning as a source identifier and that it falls under Section 3-1-5, and
refused the application.
The Board analyzed the
applied-for mark and found as follows:
- The applied-for mark
is composed of an equilateral triangle with each corner rounded, and is written
in a pale blue bold line.
- The mark is
distinctive because it gives well-balanced and stable
impression.
- Also, no proof was
found that the device is commonly used as an outline of a
sign.
- Therefore, the mark
is capable of functioning as a source identifier.
And so the Board
reversed the Examiner’s decision and granted registration of the applied-for
mark.
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