U.S. Patent & Trademark Office bolsters protection of common food names
A new examination guide will help ensure generic terms are given adequate consideration and protection.
The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, North American Meat Institute, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and American Farm Bureau Federation said they commend the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a new examination guide published on May 15 that will help ensure generic terms are given adequate consideration and protection.
The new improvements are contained within an examination procedure that guides USPTO trademark examining attorneys to inform their review of applications. The revision significantly clarifies and improves review procedures for certain trademarks related to cheese or meat names, creating a more consistent process that will protect the interests of manufacturers, farmers and consumers of common food terms such as parmesan and bologna, the organizations said.