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TTAB Reverses Mere Descriptiveness Refusal of "MASTER PLUMBER" for Plumbing Products

Reversing three Section 2(e)(1) refusals to register, the Board found the mark MASTER PLUMBER not merely descriptive of a variety of plumbing items, including sump pumps, garbage disposals, toilet repair parts, faucets, and ventilating ducts. It concluded that the goods "appear to be goods which 'do-it yourselfers' or others who are not master plumbers could and would purchase," and that these purchasers would see the mark as merely suggestive. In re True Value Company, Serial Nos. 78841512, 78841539, and 78841557 (September 19, 2008) [not precedential].The PTO contended that "master plumber" is an accepted designation for a professional, licensed plumber, and that the subject mark thus describes "an intended user of the goods."True Value maintained that, for purposes of a mere descriptiveness refusal, a mark must describe an "appreciable number" of individuals to whom the goods or services are directed...continue to full post

Full post as published by The TTABlog on October 06, 2008 (boomark / email).