Document: 469 U.S. 189 105 S.Ct. 658 83 L.Ed.2d 582 PARK 'N FLY, INC., Petitioner,v.DOLLAR AND INC. No. 83-1132. Argued Oct. 9, 1984. Decided Jan. 8, 1985. Syllabus Petitioner operates long-term parking lots near airports in St. Louis, Cleveland, Houston, Boston, Memphis, and San Francisco. In 1969, petitioner applied to the United States Patent Trademark Office register a service mark consisting of logo an airplane words "Park Fly." The registration issued 1971, nearly six years later filed affidavit with establish incontestable status under § 33(b) Act 1946 (Lanham Act), which provides that "registration shall be conclusive evidence registrant's exclusive right use registered mark," subject provisions 15 itself. Respondent airport services called "Dollar Park Fly," but only Portland, Ore. infringement action Federal District Court seeking enjoin respondent from using Fly" connection its business. granted injunction, rejecting, inter alia, respondent's defense petitioner's is unenforceable because it merely descriptive. Appeals reversed, holding incontestability against cancellation may not used offensively another's use, that, this analysis, could obtain injunction if would entitled continued without regard status, therefore defend by showing was court then determined descriptive should enjoined Held: holder rely on infringement, defended grounds Pp. 193-305. (a) Lanham nowhere distinguishes between offensive defensive mark, but, contrary, 33(b)'s declaration registrant has "exclusive right" indicates infringement. Act's language also refutes any conclusion challenged as 193-197. (b) Nothing legislative history supports departure plain concerning incontestability. Indeed, provide basis for enforcement promotes goals providing national protection trademarks order secure mark's owner goodwill his business protect ability consumers distinguish among competing producers. 197-202. (c) There no merit argument Appeals' decision upheld trademark registrations are after ex parte proceeding generally inquiry into merits application. facts case belie suggestion virtually automatic, simply wrong suggest third parties do have opportunity challenge applications registration. power courts 34 grant injunctions "according principles equity" does encompass substantive validity lacks secondary meaning. Otherwise, meaning "equity" expanded point vitiating more specific provisions. Similarly, cancel "otherwise rectify register" 37 must 202-203. (d) justified relying Tillamook County Creamery v. Cheese & Dairy Assn., 345 F.2d 158 (9 Cir.1965), cert. denied, 382 903, 86 239, 157, proposition mark. 203-205. 718 327 Cir.1983), reversed remanded. Alan E. Popkin, Clayton, Mo., petitioner. John M. McCormack, Or., respondent. Justice O'CONNOR delivered opinion Court. 1 we consider whether trade or We conclude neither relevant statutes nor such defense. 2 * airports. After starting Louis 1967, subsequently opened facilities 1969 (Patent Office) Fly."1 August 1971. Nearly later, mark.2 As required 60 Stat. 433, amended, U.S.C. 1065, stated had been continuous five consecutive years, there final adverse claim ownership registration, proceedings involving rights were pending. Incontestable provides, Act, "conclusive . ." 33(b), 1115(b). 3 services, operations Oregon. calls 1978 Oregon requested permanently counterclaimed sought generic term. See 14(c), 1064(c). argued 2(e), 1052(e). two additional defenses, maintained privity Seattle corporation expression since date prior see 33(b)(5), 1115(b)(5), infringed likelihood confusion. 32(1), 1114(1). 4 bench trial, found observed cannot App. 75. concluded corporation. 76. Finally, sufficient other confusingly similar 77. 5 Ninth Circuit reversed. (1983). did err, held, refusing invalidate Id., at 331. noted, however, previously held use. Ibid. Petitioner, status. Thus, Based own examination record, fact descriptive, name 6 below direct conflict Seventh Union Carbide Corp. Ever-Ready Inc., 531 366, 429 830, 97 91, 50 94 (1976). certiorari resolve conflict, 465 1078, 104 1438, 79 760 (1984), now reverse. II 7 Congress enacted interstate foreign commerce. S.Rep. 1333, 79th Cong., 2d Sess., (1946). Previous federal legislation, 1905, 33 724, reflected view matter state concern depended solely common law. 5. Consequently, uncertain variation different parts country. Because desirably promote competition maintenance product quality, "a sound public policy requires receive nationally greatest can given them." 6. Among new protections created statutory allow federally become incontestable. §§ 15, 8 "the article substance" "merely descriptive." 1052(e), Marks constitute referred generic. A term one refers genus particular species. Abercrombie Fitch Co. Hunting World, 537 4, 9 (CA2 1976). Generic terms registrable, canceled time 2, 1052, descriptive" contrast, describes qualities characteristics good service, type shows acquired meaning, i.e., "has distinctive applicant's goods commerce." (f), (f). This us effect context Statutory construction begin employed assumption ordinary accurately expresses purpose. American Tobacco Patterson, 456 63, 68, 102 1534, 1537, 71 748 (1982). With respect marks, states mark" conditions certain enumerated defenses.3 Section incorporates reference subsections (e) 14, 1064. An becomes pursuant 14(c). That section allows abandoned, being misrepresent source used, obtained fraudulently contrary 1054, 2(a)-(c), 1052(a)-(c).4 10 One searches vain find support offensive/defensive distinction Appeals. statute On others. renders meaningless recognized statute. Moreover, three defenses clearly contemplates actions plaintiffs. 33(b)(4)-(6), 1115(b)(4)-(6). 11 registrable unless Before achieves prima facie 33(a), 1115(a). expressly before opposing party prove legal equitable might asserted registered. 33(a) allowed seven Mere descriptiveness either challenging 12 prohibit ground attributed inadvertence Congress. Conference Committee rejected amendment denied instead retained allowing H.R.Conf.Rep. 2322, (1946) (explanatory statement House managers). agreed generic, easily marks well intention. 13 discussing protects F.2d, observation incorrect otherwise 14(c) (e). approach makes superfluous. Without protected except Pursuant petition within 14(a), 1064(a). adopted implies adds nothing already provided 14. statute; effectively emasculates circumstances case. III 14 3, National desirable, concluded, foster quality securing producer benefits reputation. 4. provisions, proponents emphasized, means quiet title Hearings H.R. 82 Subcommittee Senate Patents, 78th 21 (1944) (remarks Rep. Lanham); id., 21, 113 (testimony Daphne Robert, ABA Trade Mark Legislation); et al. Trade-Marks 77th 1st 73 (1941) Lanham). satisfying requirements thus encourages producers cultivate associated function utterly frustrated others so long they established argues, enforcing never first place.5 Representative Lanham, notes, explained "not intended enlarge, restrict, amend, modify law set out sections act heretofore laws." 92 Cong.Rec. 7524 reasons alter trademarks, originally registrable. inasmuch contends enjoining will encourage assisting their 16 These arguments unpersuasive. Lanham's remarks, read context, refer 33(b).6 question altered existing several respects. For example, 22, 1072, constructive notice modifies common-law rule acquisition concurrent users distinct geographic areas subsequent user knowledge Hanover Star Milling Metcalf, 240 403, 415-416, 36 357, 361, 713 (1916) (describing pre-Lanham law). cuts off thereby previous attacked time. White Milk Products Dwinell-Wright Co., 27 C.C.P.A.(Pat.) 1194, 111 490 (1940). Most significantly, himself valuable act." 17 Respondent's misdirected. Arguments those urged considered hearings Act. Department opposed noted 82, 59-60 (statement Dept. Justice). result, observed, "go beyond conferring unprecedented trade-mark owners," undesirably create product. 60; 102, 106-107, 109-110 Prof. Milton Handler); 107, 175 attorney Robertson). concerns answered who Commissioner finds 108, Karl Pohl, Assn.). attaining 114 supporters further 33(b)(4) nontrademark 110-111 Wallace Martin, chairman, Legislation). 18 alternative 64, 69 Robert Byerley, New York Law Assn.); S. 895 42 (1942) Elliot Moyer, Special Assistant Attorney General). Also mentioned possibility including "fact geographical device." 45, 47. Congress, adopt these alternatives. Instead, specified grounds, identified include mere descriptiveness. 19 dissent echoes made opponents take domain Post, 214-216. explained, addressed prevent "commercial monopolization," post, 214, language. and, circumstances, permits contained "monopolization" threatens economic competition, 33(b)(7), 1115(b)(7), violate antitrust laws. At bottom, disagrees balance struck determining marks. IV 20 argues unravels upon close examination. automatic. initially application examiner reconsideration successfully persuaded More generally, If determines applicant appears published Official Gazette. 12(a), 1062(a). Within 30 days publication, person believes he damaged file opposition. 13, 1063. Registration throughout ownership. 1072. seek 22 217, authorizes equity." 34, 1116. Neither relies provision below. Whatever precise boundaries courts' power, believe encompasses To expand Act.7 "to register," 37, 1119, effect, both argue offer insufficient improper notwithstanding Our responsibility, evaluate wisdom determinations statute, construe apply enacted. V 23 attempt justify relied 158, 163 (CA9), 157 (1965), Examination Tillamook, reveals persuasive justification judicially 24 discussed dicta relief infringing Tillamook's authority Morrell Reliable Packing 295 314, 316 (CA7 1961), reverse finding confers rights. based Rand McNally Christmas Club, U.S.P.Q. 499 (1955), aff'd, 44 C.C.P.A. 861 (Pat.), 242 776 (1957), latter involve action. 25 feared became incontestable, same enjoined. U.S.P.Q., 500. Patents observing "with 'offensive weapon' greater magnitude than issued. 501. comments injunctive relief, indicate designated. 26 Morrell, judicial most below, overruled Ever-Ready, 366 (CA7), acknowledged earlier unsupported misreading McNally. 373, 377. action, " '[d]efendant faced claiming invalid descriptive.' 377 (quoting J. McCarthy, Trademarks Unfair Competition 11.16, p. (1st ed. 1973)). Other followed plaintiff See, e.g., Jaycees Philadelphia Jaycees, 639 134, 137 (CA3 1981); Soweco, Inc. Shell Oil 617 1178, 1184-1185 (CA5 1980), 450 981, 101 1516, 67 816 (1981). Ansul Malter International Corp., 199 596, 599-600 (TTAB 1978). doctrine best described flawed origin discredited progenitors. VI 28 urges nevertheless affirm "prior use" 33(b)(5) Alternatively, confusion justifying relief. each arguments, 331-332, n. them remand. judgment remanded consistent opinion. 29 It ordered. STEVENS, dissenting. law, "incontestable" itself somewhat confusing misleading identifies over situations allegedly permitted.1 unambiguously authorized review "in mark."2 problem arises enforce plainly inherently unregistrable. 31 parking.3 prohibits proves commerce," accepted shorthand, "secondary meaning." submitted proof Commissioner, indeed violated 32 violation literal wording contravened central purpose entire scheme. safeguard enterprises.4 perform distinguishing provider legitimate protection. "describes service." Ante, 194. No served granting anyone monopoly Instead confronting unregistrable alleged treats though presented (1976), obvious well-established case, I agree character infringer dealing result reached. explain why reached; comment advances conclusion. word defined Nor, surprisingly, concept Reports bill 1946.5 potential contests rival claimants And, indeed, testimony occurred during period when legislation primarily concerned present.6 ever suggested instance. 35 witnesses frequently comparable decree quieting real property.7 Such forecloses contest property, property Similarly precludes competitor contesting ownership, convert valid unenforceable.8 principally reversal, supra, simple proposition. companies "Eveready." although 1052(f).9 properly resolved giving wholly record establishes all. intend interest preventing privileges phrases administrative practice incorporated 2(f), 1052(f),10 Dr. Pohl testified: 38 "On so-called nontechnical Professor Handler assumes improperly 39 "Now, where idea originate? 40 "They very carefully circumscribed procedure getting register. easy, Mr. Chairman gentlemen committee, exceedingly difficult get will, place, reject them, you submit substantial body long-continued usage, usage special entitles sense. 41 "Therefore, call trade-marks is, believe, misnomer. look view, apprehensions less obviated. personally completely obviated, number protection."11 43 demonstrates Handler's justified, Pohl's assurance misleading; having Office. light history, apparent preserve establishing still contains complies requirement Office, entirely accord period, reasonable presume initial distinctiveness rebutted. But presented, court, rational leaping passage transformed defective 45 how dedicated competent administrators be, error always present,12 especially nonadversary proceedings.13 reason normally agency intent expressed clear unambiguous language.14 intent. broadest possible determine mark."15 exercise broad informed purposes motivated enactment Act.16 46 owners built up."17 up secured fact, consuming just another anonymous, indistinguishable lot. When enacting wanted "protect imposition counterfeit imitated false descriptions."18 Upon danger occurrence, practical matter, specifically identify seems imitate imitation, even occurred, likely confuse anybody.19 47 infer operators vicinity make "park fly" ready description businesses, rather desire exploit goodwill.20 well-recognized prohibiting commercial monopolization fly." claims part our vocabulary, depart statutorily mandated "rectify absent congressional mandate. Language, belongs instructs otherwise.21 instruction; opposite command guides actions: Congress' insistence parking, remain proved. 48 basic combine persuade me proving 49 different, unrelated, negative answer "whether descriptive," ante, 191: (1) too conclusion; (2) decided deny marks; (3) value nullified recognized. Each Plain Language mark." Read isolation, surely lend Court's holding. isolated reading seem foreclose nonstatutory Court, wisely refuses rigid interpretation 33(b).22 51 automatically follows achievement proper jurisdiction "shall injunctions, according equity deem reasonable." right, additionally emphasizes recovery "subject 1117. addition grants "any "determine cancelation registrations, whole part, restore action." 1119. issue course,23 essence Chancellor equity,"24 particularly important involved.25 52 exercising equity, certainly account tension (f) "demonstrably odds [Congress]"26 eligible require compliance 2(f) 33(b).27 53 However, failure laundry list interpreted today approval all 54 unpersuasive perfectly understanding 210-211. equivalent endorsement perverse. Practical Argument 55 suggests my "effectively case." 197. obtaining benefit "distinctive commerce" requires, burden onerous. course met. served, frustrated, requiring adherence Congress.28 j 56 sum, complied able disposition. cannot, subscribe "may infringement." 205; 196. Accordingly, respectfully dissent. 427, 1051 seq., applies 1053. defines word, name, symbol, device combination thereof manufacturer merchant manufactured sold others." 1127. sale advertising 1977 1979, existence affect resolution issues forth 1115(b), provides: "If 1065 title, commerce said limitations therein following defects established: "(1) fraudulently; "(2) abandoned registrant; "(3) permission registrant, used; "(4) term, charged party's individual business, party, fairly faith describe origin; "(5) whose continuously him chapter publication subsection 1062 title: Provided, defect area proved; "(6) abandoned: mark; "(7) laws States." Sections 2(a)-(c) containing flag States. 14(e) certification inapplicable similarly takes position failed 206-207. 1970, request arguing 54-56. specifying 57-59. Unlike dissent, decline instance affected remarks clarify rules go enforceability evidentiary established, constitutes owner's note, need address traditional estoppel laches available Comment, Rights Equitable Defenses Infringement Litigation, 66 Minn.L.Rev. 1067 enumerates categories quoted 193, 3. addition, defendant free four 15. 1065. 1064, sections, turn, incorporate objections registrability 2(a), 2(b), 2(c) 1052(a), (b), (c). pertinent "In suggestive lots. responded: "We unpersuaded. Given clarity Fly's seen understood readily offering parking—imagination, thought, perception needed. Simply understood, 'park fly' concise characteristic ingredient offered—the customer parks car flies airport. best, 327, 331 (CA9 1983). Although speculate 1971 registered, 198-199, 5, speculation totally valid, rationale category. 191. Sess. (1946); Hearing 5461, Charles Kramer, Chairman, Patents); 51, 193-194. (statements 112 895, new. 1875 1883 Great Britain provided, essence, expiration Establish Register Marks, Vict., ch. (1875); Amend Consolidate Relating Inventions, Designs, 57, 76 (1883). Those "incontestable," respects striking similarity Acts today. noteworthy English judges refused give beginning. Edwards Dennis, Ch.D. 454 (1885); Jackson Napper (Re Schmidt's Trade-Mark), Rep.Pat.Cas. (1886); cf. re J.B. Palmer's Trade-Mark, 504 regarding holding, heavily influenced disposition wrote: "[W]e living society, daily familiarity hundreds battery-operated products, thoroughly acquainted EVEREADY While perhaps many know few doubt utilized single, source. play ostrich general knowledge." 381. exception prohibition, satisfy processing application, reads follows: "Except excluded paragraphs (a), (c), section, accept distinctive, commerce, substantially next preceding filing registration." 1052(f) (emphasis added). supra 6, 113. appeared behalf Merchants' Association Trade-Mark member Coordination Committee. 136. Recently, Gerald Mossinghoff, Secretary Trademarks, gave Congress: "[O]ne biggest problems time, about percent million documents missing misfiled. paper system 1836 remained unchanged then. During deteriorated missing." Copyrights Judiciary, 98th treatise gives "advice" registration: "Registration Principal attempted possible. strategy, concede falls bars 2(e) 2(f). let Examiner 2(e). Since like contested Government, await Examiner's response contention contention, convinces Board fall avoided. adamant her category, choices: He appeal determination: Supplemental Register; qualifies Register, thereafter five-year presumption examiner's barred ground, respond alternative. (e.g., 'merely descriptive') and/or through weakness absolutely necessary. object soon possible, way another." 19:7 (1984) Erika, 201, 208, 1650, 1654, 72 (1982); Dunlop Bachowski, 421 560, 567, 95 1851, 1857, (1975); Johnson Robison, 415 373-374, 1160, 1168-1169, 389 (1974); Barlow Collins, 397 159, 166, 90 832, 837, 192 (1970); Abbott Laboratories Gardner, 387 136, 140-141, 87 1507, 1510-1511, 681 (1967). Cf. Stafford Briggs, 444 527, 536, 100 774, 780, 63 (1980) (the language, objects execute true intent). raise "no insofar [petitioner] present intention expanding Pacific Northwest." disposition, reach issue. Office's handbook explains terms: "Matter prohibited Register. First, permit appropriate exclusively involved obviously detrimental deal hindering normal association services. Second, indicating origin, purchasing recognize significance single services." Commerce, Manual Examining Procedure 144 Otto Roth Universal Foods 640 1317, 1320 (CCPA 1981) (recognizing importance "free language" context); Bada Montgomery Ward 426 (CA9) ("[O]ne permitted impoverish fellows describing goods"), 400 916, 91 174, 155 (1970). Additionally, enacted, Canal Clark, Wall. 311, 323-324, L.Ed. 581 (1872), wrote applicable today: '[T]he original undoubted forms, symbols, appropriated designating fabric affixed; words, letters, figures, relation goods, meant quality. sign symbol which, nature signify, employ equal truth, purpose.' (Quoting Amoskeag Manufacturing Spear, Sand. 599, 606-607 (N.Y.Super.1849). 203, 7. chooses ignored asserted. Several indicated allowed. Prudential Ins. Gibraltar Financial 694 1150, 1153 1982), 463 1208, 103 3538, 77 1389 (1983); Cuban Cigar Brands N.V. Upmann International, 457 F.Supp. 1090, 1092, (SDNY 1978), aff'd opinion, 607 995 1979); Carl Zeiss Stiftung V.E.B. Zeiss, Jena, 298 1309 1969), modified, 433 686 1970), 403 905, 2205, 680 (1971); Haviland Johann China 269 928, 955 1967). commentators written subject. 761 (1984). early noted: "The limits possibly conclusive. imagine comes unclean hands, unable listed 33(b). doctrines probably preclude damages strict technical construction, precluding enumerated." Diggins, Geo.L.J. 147, 195 (1947). Weinberger Romero-Barcelo, 305, 1798, 1802, Hecht Bowles, 321 321, 329, 64 587, 591, 88 754 (1944). Porter Warner Holding 328 395, 400, 1086, 1332 Morton Salt G.S. Suppiger 314 488, 492, 62 402, 405, 363 ("[C]ourts appropriately withhold aid interest"); Virginian R. Railway Employees, 300 515, 552, 57 592, 601, 81 789 (1937). Griffin Oceanic Contractors, 458 564, 571, 3245, 3250, 973 Garcia States, 70, 80, 479, 472 (STEVENS, J., dissenting). Fidelity Savings Loan Assn. de La Cuesta, 141, 163, 3014, 3027, 664 (1982) (all possible); Textile Manufacturers Institute, Donovan, 452 490, 513, 2478, 2492, 185 (1981) (same); Reiter Sonotone 442 330, 339, 99 2326, 2331, 931 (1979) ("In construing obliged every used"). Legislative History "meaningless." importation bearing 1124, 1526, 1337(a). country prerequisite some countries. A. Seidel, What General Practitioner Should Know About (4th Vandenburgh, 58 (2d 1968). Further, Customs Appeals, recognizing scandalous "Once granted, responsibilities government ended. assistance, official records distributed world, permanent availability Service blocking access ., notices extent, PTO conflicting Apart nominal fees, costs underwritten funds." L. McGinley, 660 481, 486 1981).

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