Si Barghelamev.Sunlight Saunas, Inc.Download PDFTrademark Trial and Appeal BoardJul 1, 2009No. 91169306 (T.T.A.B. Jul. 1, 2009) Copy Citation Mailed: July 1, 2009 UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE _____ Trademark Trial and Appeal Board ______ Si Barghelame v. Sunlight Saunas, Inc. _____ Opposition No. 91169306 to Application No. 78507597 Opposition No. 91169318 to Application No. 78507510 _____ David L. Garrison of David L. Garrison PS for Si Barghelame. Amy C. Kelly of Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP for Sunlight Suanas, Inc. ______ Before Kuhlke, Mermelstein and Wellington, Administrative Trademark Judges. Opinion by Wellington, Administrative Trademark Judge: Sunlight Saunas, Inc. (applicant) has filed applications to register the marks SUNLIGHT SAUNAS (in standard characters) and: THIS OPINION IS NOT A PRECEDENT OF THE TTAB Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 2 for “saunas” in International Class 11 and “Retail store and online retail store services, featuring bath and beauty products, aromatherapy products, saunas, and heat and far infrared treatment pads” in International Class 35.1 Both applications contain a disclaimer of the word SAUNAS. Si Barghelame (opposer), an individual, opposed registration of applicant’s marks under Section 2(d) of the Trademark Act on the ground of priority and likelihood of confusion. Specifically, opposer pleaded that he is the owner of Registration no. 2579741 for the mark SUNSAUNA for “Full spectrum infrared sauna”;2 that he “has used this mark since at least as early as August 1, 1999 for the goods listed in [the pleaded registration] and for the services of retail store sales of saunas and associated products”; and that there is a likelihood of confusion because the marks “are similar, and [the] companies are in direct competition with one another because they sell similar products.” Applicant, in its answers, denied the allegations in the notices of opposition. 1 Application Serial no. 78507597 (filed on October 28, 2004) is for the stylized mark with the design and contains an allegation of first use in commerce in connection with the recited services on July 5, 2003. Application Serial no. 78507510 (also filed on October 28, 2004) is for the mark in standard characters and contains an allegation of first use in commerce in connection with the recited services on July 1, 2001. 2 Issued on June 11, 2002, Section 8 affidavit accepted and Section 15 affidavit acknowledged. Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 3 The proceedings were consolidated prior to trial and have been presented on the same record. The record automatically consists of the pleadings and the files of the involved applications. Opposer submitted his own trial testimony, with related exhibits. Applicant submitted, under a notice of reliance, status and title copies of two registrations it owns for the marks SUNLIGHT SPA and SUNBURST; printouts from the Patent and Trademark Office’s TARR electronic database for application Serial no. 77251293 (SUNLIGHT SPA and design) that is owned by applicant; and copies of fifteen third-party registrations, all for marks “us[ing] the term SUN (or a variation).” Both parties filed briefs. Evidentiary Objections At the deposition of opposer and as restated in its brief, applicant has objected to the introduction of Exhibits 4 and 5. Specifically, applicant objected “to the form” of the documents in the exhibits because names of individuals were redacted. Exhibit 4 consists of copies of email communications and phone log records purportedly indicating instances of actual confusion involving the parties’ marks and goods. Exhibit 5 consists of what opposer testified are “communications of our clients and our company through email and when people respond to our website.” Barghelame test., 8:11-13. In its brief, Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 4 applicant argues that, without the identity of the third parties, it was unable to corroborate the instances of actual confusion. Applicant also asserts that the documents constitute or contain impermissible hearsay and should not be considered by the Board. In response, opposer argues that the documents were redacted to “omit the identity of the confused customers and buyers because disclosure of the identity of those individual would provide an unnecessary advantage to the applicant, his direct competitor.” Reply brief, p. 2. Opposer also states that the documents were “produced during discovery, and no objection or inquiry was made during the time that discovery was open” and that opposer “would have provided the information if a suitable protective order had been offered by applicant to preclude unfair use of the information on those customers.” Id. at p. 3. Applicant’s objections are not well-taken. Inasmuch as copies of the redacted documents were provided during discovery, applicant was put on notice that opposer intended to keep the names of certain individuals confidential. Opposer is correct that had applicant truly sought to investigate these matters further, it could have moved to compel unredacted copies under a protective order. Moreover, applicant’s contention that these documents constitute hearsay is misplaced because opposer is not Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 5 seeking to rely on the truth of the statements contained in the communications. The case law clearly establishes that statements by opposer's testimony witness regarding third- party communications to them, in the form of e-mail or telephone calls, are evidence that the communications were made to them. The statements are not offered for the truth thereof. See, Corporate Fitness Programs, Inc. v. Weider Health and Fitness, Inc., 2 USPQ2d 1682 (TTAB 1987). Rather, such statements in the trademark context fall under the ‘state of mind’ exception to the hearsay rule. See Fed. R. Evid. 803(3); see also, CCBN.com Inc. v. c-call.com Inc., 53 USPQ2d 1132, 1137 (D. Mass. 1999) (“[S]tatements of customer confusion in the trademark context fall under the ‘state of mind exception’ to the hearsay rule. Letters (or their electronic equivalent, i.e., email) from customers are also recognized as an exception to the hearsay rule. International Kennel Club of Chicago v. Mighty Star Inc., 846 F.2d 1079, 6 USPQ2d 1977, 1985 (7th Cir. 1988) (The “weight of authority allows the admission of letters directed to the plaintiff where the evidence contains factual data (beyond a mere legal conclusion) that is material to the issue of the likelihood of confusion”). See also, Freddie Fuddruckers, Inc. v. Ridgeline, Inc., 589 F. Supp. 72, 223 USPQ 1139, 1141 (N.D. Tex. 1984) (“Hearsay letters and statements of customers are admissible in Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 6 evidence under Fed. R. Evid. Rule 803(3) where they reveal the then existing state of mind of the writers and speakers and their state of mind is relevant to the case”), aff'd mem., 783 F.2d 1062 (5th Cir. 1986). Accordingly, we overrule applicant's objections to these exhibits. We hasten to add that our decision in this case is not dependent on these exhibits. As explained, infra, the evidence purportedly indicating instances of actual confusion has little, if any, probative value. Standing Opposer has established his standing to oppose registration of the involved applications. In particular, opposer has established that he is the owner of the pleaded registration and that said registration is valid and subsisting (see footnote 3) and, furthermore, he has shown that he has a personal interest in this proceeding. See Cunningham v. Laser Golf Corp., 222 F.3d 943, 55 USPQ2d 1842 (Fed. Cir. 2000); Ritchie v. Simpson, 170 F.3d 1092, 50 USPQ2d 1023 (Fed. Cir. 1999); and Lipton Industries, Inc. v. Ralston Purina Co., 670 F.2d 1024, 213 USPQ 185 (CCPA 1982). Priority Initially, we note that applicant has not contested priority of use. Indeed, applicant did not present any evidence for purposes of establishing priority. Nevertheless, it may rely on the subject applications’ Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 7 filing date for priority purposes and it is opposer’s burden to establish that he has priority. See Levi Strauss & Co. v. R. Josephs Sportswear Inc. 36 USPQ2d 1328, 1332 (TTAB 1998), quoting Alliance Manufacturing Co., Inc. v. ABH Diversified Products, Inc., 226 UPSQ 348, 351 (TTAB 1985)(“an applicant is entitled to rely upon the filing date of its application as a presumption of use of the mark subject of the application as of that date”). Based on opposer’s testimony in conjunction with the exhibits submitted with his declaration, we find that he is the owner of the pleaded registration and that the registration is valid and subsisting.3 Thus, there is no issue regarding opposer’s priority in regard to the goods covered by his registration vis-à-vis the recited goods and services in the subject applications. King Candy, Inc. v. 3 Opposer submitted with his testimony a copy of his pleaded registration (Exhibit 1) along with printouts from the Patent and Trademark Office’s TESS electronic database (Exhibit 2) indicating that the “Section 8 (6-year) accepted & Section 15 acknowledged” by the Office on November 30, 2007. Opposer identified the registration as his and, in regard to the TESS database printouts, he gave the following testimony: Q. I am handing you Exhibit No. 2, can you identify this document for us, please. A. Yes, I do. This is, again, a Trademark Office’s – U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s record. Q. Is there a date on this document? A. Yes, 8-1-2008. Q. On the...fourth page of this document there is a list of prosecution history, do you see that? A. Yes, I do. Q. Does it indicate to you the status of this registration? A. Yes. It shows the list of actions we have taken by documents provided and the actions were taken on this process. Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 8 Eunice King’s Kitchen, Inc., 496 F.2d 1400, 182 USPQ 108 (CCPA 1974). As noted, opposer also alleged use of his mark in connection with “retail store sales of saunas and associated products.” Because opposer has not registered his mark for these services, in order to establish priority, he must show that he made common-law use of his SUNSAUNA mark in connection with said services before the October 28, 2004 filing date of the involved applications. And, in a case involving common-law rights, “the decision as to priority is made in accordance with the preponderance of the evidence.” Hydro-Dynamics Inc. v. George Putnam & Company Inc., 811 F.2d 1470, 1 USPQ2d 1772, 1773 (Fed. Cir. 1987). Based on the record, we cannot conclude that opposer has established priority with respect to his alleged common law rights in his mark SUNSAUNA for retail store sales of saunas and associated products. In his deposition, opposer testified that “our company name is SUNSAUNA, LLC and we sell and manufacture sauna products.” Barghelame test., 4:3-4. He further states that his infrared sauna is sold “locally and also on the web.” Id., 4:7-8. However, opposer does not testify to any retail store services. Moreover, the exhibits submitted with opposer’s testimony do not corroborate any retail store services, but instead Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 9 indicate that applicant’s saunas may be purchased from third-party retail outlets. See, e.g., Exhibit 3 (Batch no. 0133) advertising applicant’s goods as “Available Exclusively at COLEMAN SPAS,” giving two street addresses; Exhibit 3 (Batch no. 0134) again advertising applicant’s products as “Exclusively at Bath & Spas.” Even if we were to construe, and we do not, that opposer’s testimony and exhibits show that Sunsauna LLC renders retail store services, there is no further evidence as to when opposer initiated any such retail store services. Ultimately, opposer has failed to establish that he rendered retail store services featuring saunas and associated products under the mark SUNSAUNA prior to applicant’s filing date. In view thereof, we find that opposer only has priority via its trademark registration as to the goods identified therein, namely, full spectrum infrared saunas, and that opposer has not established priority for any common-law rights he may have in connection with retail store services. We now turn to likelihood of confusion and, based on our findings on priority, we note that our analysis is limited to opposer’s pleaded registered mark, SUNSAUNA, for the goods identified therein vis-à-vis the applied-for marks and the goods and services identified in the subject applications. Likelihood of Confusion Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 10 Our determination under Section 2(d) is based on an analysis of all of the facts in evidence that are relevant to the factors bearing on the likelihood of confusion issue. In re E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 476 F.2d 1357, 177 USPQ 563 (CCPA 1973). In any likelihood of confusion analysis, however, two key considerations are the similarities between the marks and the similarities between the goods and/or services. See Federated Foods, Inc. v. Fort Howard Paper Co., 544 F.2d 1098, 192 USPQ 24 (CCPA 1976). Opposer must establish that there is a likelihood of confusion by a preponderance of the evidence. The relevant du Pont factors in the proceeding now before us are discussed below. We first consider the similarity between opposer's goods as identified in his registration for SUNSAUNA and applicant's identified goods and services. It is settled that the issue of likelihood of confusion must be determined in light of the goods or services as identified in the involved application(s) and registration(s) and, in the absence of any specific limitations therein, on the presumption that all normal and usual channels of trade and methods of distribution are or may be utilized for such goods or services. See Octocom Systems Inc. v. Houston Computers Services Inc., 918 F.2d 937, 16 USPQ2d 1783 (Fed. Cir. 1990); Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, N. A. v. Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 11 Wells Fargo Bank, 811 F.2d 490, 1 USPQ2d 1813, 1815 (Fed. Cir. 1987); and CBS Inc. v. Morrow, 708 F.2d 1579, 218 USPQ 198 (Fed. Cir. 1983). In this case, the goods themselves are legally identical inasmuch as applicant’s “saunas” is broad enough to include opposer’s “full spectrum infrared saunas.” In addition, applicant's retail store and online retail store services feature, inter alia, “saunas” which, again, is broad enough and would reasonably include opposer’s full spectrum infrared saunas. As a result, we find applicants' services to be closely related to opposer’s goods. See In re U.S. Shoe Corp., 229 USPQ 707 (TTAB 1985) (mark for retail women's clothing store services and clothing held likely to be confused with mark for uniforms); In re United Service Distributors, Inc., 229 USPQ 237 (TTAB 1986) (mark for distributorship services in the field of health and beauty aids held likely to be confused with mark for skin cream). With respect to the goods being legally identical, in part, and in the absence of any limitations in the identifications of goods, we must presume that the parties’ saunas would be sold in the same channels of trade (e.g., retail and online retail outlets for such goods) to the same classes of consumers. This further highlights the relatedness of opposer’s full spectrum infrared saunas to applicant’s retail and online retail store services in that Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 12 one prospective outlet or trade channel for opposer’s goods would presumably include applicant’s stores or online retail website featuring such goods. For example, it is foreseeable that consumers seeking to purchase registrant’s sauna will visit applicant’s store or applicant’s website for such goods and, in doing so, they will obviously encounter applicant’s marks for the retail services as well as for the same goods. In view thereof, the du Pont factors of the similarity of the goods and services, channels of trade and classes of purchasers all favor opposer in finding a likelihood of confusion. Before we determine the level of similarity or dissimilarity of the parties’ marks, we first address applicant’s argument regarding the “number and nature of similar marks in use on similar goods.” Brief, p. 10. Applicant argues that “[i]n selecting an appropriate mark to use for goods and services related to saunas, there is little wonder why many third parties also selected the word SUN for similar goods to suggest warmth and illumination.” Id. at 10. We construe these statements as relating to the du Pont factor involving the number and nature of similar marks in use on similar goods and services and the overall strength of opposer’s mark, SUNSAUNA, and that it perhaps should be accorded a narrower scope of protection. In Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 13 support, applicant introduced its own registrations for the marks SUNLIGHT SPA for “retail store and online retail store services, featuring bath and beauty products, aromatherapy products, saunas, and heat and far infrared treatment pads”4 and SUNBURST for “electric far infrared heater.”5 Applicant also introduced fifteen third-party registrations for marks containing the term SUN for a variety of goods and services. A review of these registrations reveal that at least eight cover services and/or goods that are not related to saunas or retail services involving saunas; rather, they involve a variety of goods and services that include space heaters, pool lights, mail order catalog services for bath and body products, pool chemicals, greenhouses, etc. The remaining seven third-party registrations cover either identical goods or, arguably, related goods and services, e.g., SUN LIFE SAUNAS for, inter alia, “on-line retail store services featuring infrared saunas...”6; RISING SUN for, inter alia, “wholesale and retail store services and internet retail store services featuring...saunas, ...sauna equipment”7; SUNRAY for, inter alia, “light therapy lamp fixtures,...electric lights used for medical purposes, 4 Registration No. 3065353 issued on March 7, 2006, SPA disclaimed. 5 Registration No. 3436994 issued on May 27, 2008. 6 Registration No. 3469179. 7 Registration No. 2966591. Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 14 namely, in treating seasonal affective disorder”8; and ULTRASUN and GARDA SUN for, inter alia, “lamps, skypanels, and suncouches for artificial sun bathing”.9 However, as applicant itself acknowledges in its brief and as is often stated, third-party registrations are not evidence of use of the marks shown therein, or that consumers have been exposed to them. AMF Inc. v. American Leisure Products, Inc., 474 F.2d 1403, 177 USPQ 268 (CCPA 1973). Thus, while we have considered the third-party registrations to the extent that they act like a dictionary definition showing that a term may have a normally understood meaning (as shown by the dictionary definition itself), they are of limited probative value in deciding this case. Red Carpet Corp. v. Johnstown American Enterprises Inc., 7 USPQ2d 1404, 1406 (TTAB 1988). Thus, while we may conclude that the term “Sun” may have some suggestive value in relation to the goods and services, this evidence has no effect on the level of distinctiveness of opposer’s mark and we cannot conclude that opposer’s mark is otherwise entitled to a narrower scope of protection. In view thereof, this factor is neutral. We next turn to the du Pont factor of the similarity or dissimilarity of the marks. We begin our comparison bearing 8 Registration No. 2310348. 9 Registrations Nos. 2590728 and 2555245, respectively, owned by the same entity. Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 15 in mind that the respective goods are, in part, legally identical and that “[w]hen marks would appear on virtually identical goods or services, the degree of similarity necessary to support a conclusion of likely confusion declines.” Century 21 Real Estate Corp. v. Century Life of America, 970 F.2d 874, 23 USPQ2d 1698, 1700 (Fed. Cir. 1992). Nonetheless, we are required to determine the similarity or dissimilarity of the marks when viewed in their entireties in terms of appearance, sound, connotation and commercial impression. Palm Bay Imports, Inc. v. Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Maison Fondee En 1722, 396 F.3d 1369, 73 USPQ2d 1689, 1694 (Fed. Cir. 2005). As applicant correctly noted in its brief, the test is not whether the marks can be distinguished when subjected to a side-by-side comparison, but rather whether the marks are sufficiently similar that confusion as to the source of the goods or services offered under the respective marks is likely to result. The focus is on the recollection of the average purchaser, who normally retains a general rather than a specific impression of trademarks. See Sealed Air Corp. v. Scott Paper Co., 190 USPQ 106 (TTAB 1975). In this case, the marks are applicant’s SUNLIGHT SAUNAS (with and without the design) and opposer’s SUNSAUNA. With respect to applicant's mark with design, it is well settled that one feature of a mark may be more significant than Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 16 another, and it is not improper to give more weight to this dominant feature in determining the commercial impression created by the mark. In re National Data Corp., 753 F.2d 1056, 224 USPQ 749, 751 (Fed. Cir. 1985). Specifically, where both words and a design comprise the mark (as in applicant's mark), then the words are normally accorded greater weight because the words are likely to make an impression upon purchasers, would be remembered by them, and would be used by them to request the goods. In re Appetito Provisions Co., 3 USPQ2d 1553, 1554 (TTAB 1987). Thus, although we do not ignore the design element in applicant’s one mark, we do place greater emphasis on the literal portions of the respective marks. In terms of sound or how the marks will be spoken, we find them to be very similar. Both begin with the same first syllable “Sun” and end with a nearly identical syllable “Sauna(s).” Applicant’s plural use of the latter term does very little to distinguish the marks as consumers will likely use the plural or singular or possessive in referencing either party’s goods or services. See Wilson v. Delauney, 245 F.2d 877, 114 USPQ 339, 341 (CCPA 1957)(“It is evident that there is no material difference, in a trademark sense, between the singular and plural forms of the word “Zombie” and they will therefore be regarded here as the Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 17 same mark”); see also, In re Pix of America, Inc., 225 USPQ 691, 692 (TTAB 1985). Applicant argues that “there are obvious differences in the appearances of these marks” and further contends that opposer’s mark, SUNSAUNA, “appears visually to be an exotic, non-English word.” Brief, p. 8. We disagree. First, we see no ‘exotic’ quality in registrant’s mark but find it merely to be the combination of the English words SUN and SAUNA, albeit put together as a compound term. Moreover, although the marks differ by applicant’s addition of the design in one mark and its use the term SUNLIGHT versus SUN in combination with SAUNA(S), we see no significant difference in the connotations created by the marks. Both marks, when viewed in connection with their identical goods, i.e., saunas, suggest a relation with the Sun which, of course, provides heat and light. Again, we consider the marks as a whole and do not ignore the elements in applicant’s marks that do not appear in opposer’s mark. Yet, we find the differences to not be so significant for purposes of distinguishing the marks and, overall, we find the marks are more similar than not. Accordingly, we find this du Pont factor weighs in favor of finding a likelihood of confusion. Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 18 Opposer has presented evidence purportedly showing that actual confusion has occurred between the parties’ marks. Specifically, opposer testified in his deposition that Exhibit 4 contains email correspondence printouts which he states are from “customers who were confused about our product with Sunlight Saunas [applicant], which we get them from time to time and we normally direct them back to their customer or we just tell them it’s not our product that they are inquiring about.” Barghelame test., 10:12-16 Exhibit 4 also consists of copies of opposer’s telephone message log with the following two messages, “are you same as Sunlight Saunas” and “wants to know if we sell Sunlight Saunas” written in the message box. There are several problems with the aforementioned evidence. First, in two of the email communications, it is not clear at all that the prospective consumers were actually confused between the source of the applicant’s and registrant’s saunas. Rather, it appears that opposer gratuitously concludes in one email communication that the consumer was confused and responds with a message “Please note that we are different than the Sun Light saunas.” Exhibit 4 (at Batch no. 0123). In another email printout, there is a handwritten note “They are refering [sic] to Sunlight Saunas web site,” but it is not possible to discern that the consumer was confused in the first place. Exhibit Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 19 4 (at Batch no. 0126). The message was apparently handwritten onto the copy of the email printout by opposer or someone acting on his behalf. Thus, in at least two of the four email correspondence episodes the evidence really only shows that opposer, or someone acting on his behalf, concluded that there was confusion. Likewise, the telephone message log printouts only show that opposer, or someone taking messages for opposer, believed the callers were confused and recorded a message to that effect. There is no indication or further information as to what were the circumstances of the callers’ confusion. Accordingly, we find that, in part, the evidence of record lacks sufficient detail for us to conclude that there were any instances of actual confusion. That leaves us with a couple episodes of email correspondence in which one could infer that the consumer was actually confused between SUNLIGHT SAUNA and SUNSAUNA. At best, however, opposer’s evidence of actual confusion indicates that there have been a handful of instances of actual confusion as a result of the parties’ marks being used on or in connection with saunas. On the other hand, we are not persuaded by applicant's argument that the parties marks “have coexisted in the marketplace for nearly eight years” without “evidence of confusion.” Brief, p. 15. As often stated, proof of actual confusion is not necessary to establish likelihood of Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 20 confusion. Giant Food, Inc. v. Nation's Foodservice, Inc., 710 F.2d 1565, 218 USPQ 390, 396 (Fed. Cir. 1983). Furthermore, we have no evidence as to the nature and extent of applicant’s use of its marks. Such information is necessary in order to determine if there was even an opportunity for actual confusion to occur. The mere filing of the applications and applicant’s allegations therein regarding dates of use of the marks in commerce are not evidence that the mark has actually been used in commerce. Accordingly, we conclude that the actual confusion factor is neutral or slightly favors opposer in this case. Upon balancing the relevant du Pont factors, we conclude that consumers familiar with opposer’s full spectrum infrared saunas sold under its SUNSAUNA mark would be likely to believe, upon encountering applicant’s marks SUNLIGHT SAUNAS (typed or stylized with a design) for legally identical goods as well as related services, that the goods and services originate with or are somehow associated with or sponsored by the same entity. Lastly, to the extent that there may be any doubt on our finding of likelihood of confusion, we resolve that doubt, as we must, in favor of opposer as the prior user and registrant. See Giant Food, Inc. v. Nation’s Foodservice, Inc., id. Opposition Nos. 91169306 and 91169318 21 Decision: The oppositions are sustained and registration of the involved applications is refused. Copy with citationCopy as parenthetical citation