Trademark Decisions Affecting PTO Practice in 2001

Jeffrey M. Samuels, University of Akron School of Law
Linda B. Samuels

Abstract

There were a number of interesting trademark decisions affecting practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office reported within the last year. These include an opinion from the Federal Circuit on the registrability of an alphanumeric telephone number and from a federal appellate court applying the “substantial evidence” standard of review for the PTO's factual findings in trademark cases. There also were several illuminating opinions from the Trademark Trial and Appeal on the alleged descriptiveness of internet-related marks and on geographic descriptiveness. Additionally, the PTO Director pronounced a new policy regarding the reclassification of goods and services.