Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-01468/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-01468-10/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 290
Nature of Suit: Other Real Property Actions
Cause of Action: 15:44 Trademark Infringement

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

NIKE, INC., an Oregon corporation, )

) 2:05-cv-1468-GEB-JFM

Plaintiff, )

)

v. ) ORDER

)

NIKEPAL INTERNATIONAL, INC., a )

California corporation, )

)

)

Defendant. )

)

The parties dispute whether the Trademark Trial and Appeal

Board’s (“TTAB”) evidentiary record is admissible for all purposes in

this lawsuit, based on different constructions of the statutory

language in 15 U.S.C. § 1071(b)(3). Plaintiff argues that under both

the plain language of the statute and relevant case law, “the

evidentiary record developed in the proceedings before the [TTAB] is

admissible for all purposes in this suit.” (Pl.’s Brief at 4:14-16,

5:9-11, 1:23-25.) Defendant argues that the evidentiary record of the

TTAB proceedings is only admissible “for purposes of . . . Plaintiff’s

appeal of the TTAB decision.” (Def.’s Brief at 2:23-24.)

Case 2:05-cv-01468-GEB -JFM Document 136 Filed 04/11/07 Page 1 of 2
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The statutory language in 15 U.S.C. § 1071(b)(3) supports

Plaintiff’s position that the evidentiary record developed in the TTAB

proceeding is admissible for all purposes. Section 1071(b)(3)

provides, in relevant part: 

In suits brought hereunder, the record in the

Patent and Trademark Office shall be admitted on

motion of any party, upon such terms and

conditions as to costs, expenses, and the further

cross-examination of the witnesses as the court

imposes, without prejudice to the right of any

party to take further testimony. The testimony and

exhibits of the record in the Patent and Trademark

Office, when admitted, shall have the same effect

as if originally taken and produced in the suit. 

15 U.S.C. § 1071(b)(3). “[S]uits brought hereunder” refers to the

right of a party “dissatisfied with the decision of the [TTAB]” to a

“remedy in a civil action,” such as the instant action. Id. §

1071(b)(3), (b)(1). Therefore, the evidentiary record of the TTAB

proceeding is admissible for all purposes in this lawsuit.

Dated: April 10, 2007

 

GARLAND E. BURRELL, JR.

United States District Judge

Case 2:05-cv-01468-GEB -JFM Document 136 Filed 04/11/07 Page 2 of 2