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WYHA? TTAB finds NAPA FOODS Primarily Geographically Deceptively Misdescriptive for Food

A United Kingdom company called Napa Valley Foods, Inc., sought to register the mark NAPA FOODS (in standard character and design form) for various food items, relying on Section 44(e) and four Nigerian registrations. Examining Attorney Amy E. Hella refused registration under Section 2(e)(3) of the Act. The Board affirmed. Would you have appealed? In re Napa Valley Foods Inc., Serial Nos. 77627932, 77627933, 77627934 and 77627935 (February 22, 2011) [not precedential].Applicant did not dispute the geographic descriptiveness of "Napa Valley," but asserted that "Napa" is not the same thing:Applicant relies on definitions of ?napa? as meaning ?a very soft glove leather made from the skin of a sheep, kid or goat? and ?Chinese cabbage.? Applicant also points out that NAPA is an acronym for National Academy of Public Administration and National Association of Performing Artists, and that Google searches for Napa retrieve references to an auto care chain, the National Academy of Public Administration, National Asphalt Pavement Association, National Association for the Practice of Anthropology and software systems...continue to full post

Full post as published by The TTABlog on March 08, 2011 (boomark / email).