The TTAB issued three dozen (36) precedential opinions in calendar 2017. Among the more interesting ones, the Board considered the registrability of the color yellow for a cereal box, again deemed PRETZEL CRISPS generic for pretzel crackers, and affirmed two refusal under the flag/insignia prohibition of Section 2(b). It rejected three product configuration marks due to functionality under Section 2(e)(5), continued to downplay the rareness factor in Section 2(e)(4) surname refusals, and dealt with two phantom mark refusals, affirming one and reversing one.

Section 2(a) - Deceptiveness:

Section 2(b) - Flag, Coat of Arms, or Other Insignia:

Section 2(d) - Likelihood of Confusion:

Section 2(e)(1) - Mere Descriptiveness

Section 2(e)(4) - Primarily Merely a Surname:

Section 2(e)(5) - Functionality:

Section 2(f): Acquired Distinctiveness:

Abandonment/Nonuse:

Application Requirements/Lawful Use/Specimen of Use:

Certification Mark Control:

Failure to Function/Phantom Mark:

Fraud:

Genericness:

Discovery/Evidence/Procedure:

The TTABlog

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