121 F. Supp. 785 | D. Neb. | 1954
This action was instituted by the Dietene Company, a Minnesota Corporation, to enjoin the defendant, Vitamin Industries, a Nebraska corporation, from using the mark “Dietrim” as applied to a reducing supplement because it is confusingly similar to “Dietene”, a mark which plaintiff registered under the Trade-Mark Act and also used to identify a reducing supplement. Since plaintiff charges infringement of a trade-mark registered in the United States Patent Office, this court has jurisdiction. 15 U.S.C.A. § 1121. The requisite diversity of citizenship and amount in controversy also present an appropriate basis for this court to assume jurisdiction of the cause. 28 U.S.C.A. § 1332.
The case was tried to the court without a jury, and after careful consideration of the material and competent evidence produced at the trial the court makes the following special
Findings of Fact:
Plaintiff owns United States TradeMark Registration No. 329,995 for “Dietene” as applied to a reducing supplement. This registration was originally obtained by plaintiff’s predecessor under the Trade-Mark Act of 1905, and was subsequently republished on the Principal Register of the Trade-Mark Act of 1946, Lanham Act. 15 U.S.C.A. § 1051 et seq. Plaintiff distributes its products nationally.
Defendant uses the name “Dietrim” in connection with a reducing supplement which it distributes in areas served by the plaintiff corporation. Defendant’s mark is not registered and it was not in use prior to the time plaintiff began using its mark.
Discussion
The Lanham Trade-Mark Act provides that “(n)o trade-mark by which the goods of the applicant may be distinguished from the goods of others shall be refused registration on the principal register on account of its nature unless it — * * *. (e) Consists of a mark which, (1) when applied to the goods of the applicant is merely descriptive * * * of them, * * 15 U.S.C.A. § 1052. This statute, which merely reflects a long standing equitable doctrine,
“The definition of a trademark has been given by this court and the extent of its use described. It was said by the chief justice, speaking for the court, that ‘the term has been in use from a very early date; and, generally speaking, means a distinctive mark of authenticity, through which the products of particular manufacturers or the vendable commodities of particular merchants may be distinguished from those of others. It may consist in any symbol or in any form of words; but as its office is to point out distinctively the origin or ownership of the articles to which it is affixed, it follows that no sign or form of words can be appropriated as a valid trademark which, from the nature of the fact conveyed by its primary mean*787 ing, others may employ with equal truth, and with equal right, for the same purpose.’ Elgin National Watch Co. v. Illinois Watch Co., 179 U.S. 665, 673, 21 S.Ct. 270, 45 L.Ed. 365, 378. There is no doubt, therefore, of the rule. There is something more of precision given to it in Canal Co. v. Clark, 13 Wall. 311, 323, 20 L.Ed. 581, 583, where it is said that the essence of the wrong for the violation of a trademark ‘consists in the sale of the goods of one manufacturer or vendor as those of another; and that it is only when this false representation is directly or indirectly made that the party who appeals to a court of equity can have relief.’ A trademark, it was hence concluded, ‘must therefore be distinctive in its original signification, pointing to the origin of the article, or it must have become such by association.’ But two qualifying rules were expressed, as follows: ‘No one can claim protection for the exclusive use of a trademark or tradename which would practically give him a monopoly in the sale of any goods other than those produced or made by himself. If he could, the public would be injured rather than protected, for competition would be destroyed. Nor can a generic name, or a name merely descriptive of an article of trade, of its qualities, ingredients, or characteristics, be employed as a trademark and the exclusive use of it be entitled to legal protection’.”
An examination of the cases discloses that the following marks have been held to be merely descriptive of the goods to which they applied: “Cube Steak” as applied to a meat tenderizing machine;
“Dietene” is a combination of the root word “diet” and the suffix “ene.” Etymologically speaking, the root word is of Greek origin (diaita), which finds later acceptance in chronological order in the Latin (dieta), French (diete) and English languages. Among other things, the noun “diet” denotes: “Solid or liquid food taken in regular quantities, or of a particular kind, in a course of medical treatment or in accordance with hygienic rules; a regulated order or course of eating and drinking; a prescribed or regulated regimen.” Funk and Wagnall’s New Standard Dictionary of the English Language (1949 Ed.) p. 707. The suffix “ene” is used as a termination of adjectives of Latin Origin.
The word “Dietene” from a phonetic standpoint is substantially the same as “dieting.”
Even if the court assumes that plaintiff’s mark is only in part composed of a descriptive term, there is still no basis for protection in this case. The only similarity between plaintiff’s and defendant’s marks is that of the descriptive term, “diet.” The suffixes “ENE” and “RIM” are completely dissimilar. In Solventol Chemical Products v. Langfield, 6 Cir., 1943, 134 F.2d 899, 903, Judge Hamilton had this to say about the trademarks “Solventol” and “Solvete”:
“The word ‘solvent’ is purely descriptive of any cleaning compound whether semi-solid or liquid and ‘Sol’ has been used so long by businesses as part of a trade-mark name for cleaning compounds that neither use of the prefix ‘Solvent’ nor the-prefix ‘Sol’ may be so exclusively appropriated by one manufacturer or tradesman as to wholly deny its use-in any manner by others. The idea, sought to be conveyed to the mind of the purchaser by the respective-trade-marks of the parties to these proceedings is that each is selling-a solvent for use in cleaning, and' while the prefix ‘Sol’ or ‘Solvent’ is. common to both marks, each is but. descriptive of the product indicated, and being of common right, neither party can claim the exclusive use of' either, alone or as the dominating element of a compound word. (Cases, cited.)
*791 “The suffixes ‘vite’ and ‘tol’ distinguish one combination from the other and give an identifying character to the trade designation which makes it unlikely that one trademark could, with the exercise of ordinary care, be mistaken for or be confused with the other. They look unlike, are spelled differently and are phonetically dissimilar.”
In Nestle’s Milk Products v. Baker Importing Co., 1950, 182 F.2d 193, 196, 37 C.C.P.A., Patents, 1066, “Hycafe” was held not to be confusingly similar to “Nescafe” as applied to coffee extract. Judge Johnson commented:
“The likelihood of confusion in the mind of the public as to origin of the goods it purchases because of the similarity of the marks is, of course, the test applied by this court in opposition proceedings, Standard Laboratories, Inc., v. Proctor and Gamble Co., 167 F.2d 1022, 35 C.C.P.A., Patents, 1146, as well as by other courts in trade-mark infringement and unfair competition actions, Best & Co. v. Miller, 2 Cir., 1948, 167 F.2d 374, 376. The marks considered in their entireties must be considered, Yeasties Products, Inc. v. General Mills, 77 F.2d 523, 22 C.C.P.A., Patents, 1215, Miles Laboratories v. Foley & Co., 144 F.2d 888, 32 C.C.P.A., Patents, 714; Apollo Shirt Co. v. Enro Shirt Co., Inc., 165 F.2d 469, 35 C.C.P.A., Patents, 849. In considering contested marks in their entireties, the court may notice the descriptive as well as disclaimed portions despite the rule that the validity of registered marks which are merely descriptive is not to be challenged in opposition proceedings, West Disinfecting Co. v. Lan-O-Sheen Co., 163 F.2d 566, 35 C.C.P.A., Patents, 706. A descriptive word, having little trade-mark significance, will' not be regarded as the dominant part of a mark, Atlantic Seafood Packers v. Florida Fruit Canners, Inc., 166 F.2d 586, 35 C.C.P.A., Patents, 985; National Nu-Grape v. Judge & Dolph Ltd., 154 F.2d 521, 33 C.C.P.A., Patents, 1032; Miles Laboratories, Inc. v. Foley & Co., supra.
“In the instant case, we consider ‘cafe’ to be a descriptive term as applied to a coffee product. The balance of the marks, ‘Nes,’ and ‘Hy,’ are suggestive of the Nestles’ Milk Products Company and the Hygrade Food Products Corporation (the parent company of appellee herein), respectively, producers of the products to which the contested marks are applied. They are not similar, and, considering the marks ‘Nescafe’ and ‘Hycafe’ in their entireties, we do not find grounds for disagreeing with the commissioner’s decision that their concurrent use would not be likely to cause confusion in the trade.”
Other cases reaching a somewhat similar result are Caron Corporation v. Ollendorff, 2 Cir., 1947, 160 F.2d 444; Winget Kickernick Co. v. La Mode Garment Co., D.C.Ill.1930, 42 F.2d 513; Ansco Photo-products, Inc. v. Eastman Kodak Co., 1927, 57 App.D.C. 246, 19 F.2d 720; Switzer v. J. N. Collins Co., 1927, 57 App.D.C. 354, 23 F.2d 775; Lusta-Foame Co. v. William Filene’s Sons Co., D.C.Mass. 1946, 66 F.Supp. 517.
The court is of the opinion that plaintiff’s reliance upon cases in which the registered mark was neither wholly nor partially descriptive, Frito Company v. General Mills, Inc., 5 Cir., 1953, 202 F.2d 936, or in which the mark though suggestive was fanciful, Douglas Laboratories Corp. v. Copper Tan, 2 Cir., 1954, 210 F.2d 453, is misplaced. For “Diet” or “Dietene” as applied to a supplement for use in diets is merely descriptive and not arbitrary or fanciful.
From what has been said the court has reached the conclusion that plaintiff should be denied the relief sought. Counsel for the defendant shall prepare and submit for approval the appropriate judgment to be entered .in accordance with this memorandum.
. Restatement of Torts (1938), Sec. 721; Canal Co. v. Clark, 13 Wall. 311, 20 L.Ed. 581.
. Spang v. Watson, 1953, 92 U.S.App.D.C. 236, 205 F.2d 703.
. Bascom Launder Corp. v. Telecoin Corp., 2 Cir., 1952, 204 F.2d 331.
. Burgess Vibocrafters, Inc. v. Atkins Industries, 7 Cir., 1953, 204 F.2d 311.
. Application of Diamond Fertilizer Co., 1953, 203 F.2d 767, 40 C.C.P.A.,Patents, 908.
. Application of Hercules Fasteners, 1953, 203 F.2d 753, 40 C.C.P.A., Patents, 944.
. Schulmerich Electronics Inc. v. J. C. Deagan, Inc., 1953, 202 F.2d 772, 40 C.C.P.A., Patents, 857.
. Sargent & Co. v. Welco Feed Mfg. Co., 8 Cir., 1952, 195 F.2d 929.
. Lanolin Plus Cosmetics Inc. v. Marzall, 1952, 90 U.S.App.D.C. 349, 196 F.2d 591.
. Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls v. Dollcraft Co., 9 Cir., 1952, 197 F.2d 293.
. Curtis-Stephens-Embry Co. v. Pro-Tek-Toe Skate Stop Co., 8 Cir., 1952, 199 F.2d 407: “Concededly descriptive.”
. In Re Alvah Busbnell Co., 1919, 49 App.D.C. 133, 261 F. 1013.
. Smokador Mfg. Co. v. Tubular Products Co., 2 Cir., 1929, 31 F.2d 255.
. Cridlebaugh v. Rudolph, 3 Cir., 1943, 131 F.2d 795.
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. Wisconsin Electric Co. v. Dumore, 6 Cir., 1929, 35 F.2d 555.
. Steem Electric Corp. v. Herzfeld-Phillipson Co., 7 Cir., 1940, 118 F.2d 122.
. Air Brush Mfg. Co. v. Thayer, 7 Cir., 1897, 84 F. 640.
. Ault & Wiborg Co. v. Cheshire, 8 Cir., 1909, 191 F. 741.
. Scriven v. North, 4 Cir., 1903, 134 F. 366.
. Rite-Rite Mfg. Co. v. Rite Craft Co., 1950, 181 F.2d 226, 37 C.C.P.A., Patents, 963.
. No-D-Ka Dentrifice Co. v. S. S. Kresge Co., D.C.Mass.1928, 24 F.2d 726.
. Lusta-Foame Co. v. Wm. Filene’s Sons Co., D.C.Mass.1946, 66 F.Supp. 517.
. Wise v. Bristol Myers Co., D.C.N.Y. 1952, 107 F.Supp. 800.
. Horlick’s Malted Milk Co. v. Borden Co., 1924, 54 App.D.C. 91, 295 F. 232.
. Pepsi Cola Co. v. Krause Bottling Co., 4 Cir., 1937, 92 F.2d 272.
. National NuGrape Co. v. Guest, 10 Cir., 1948, 164 F.2d 874.
. American Brewing Co. v. Bienville, 5 Cir., 1906, 153 F. 615.
. N. S. W. Co. v. Wholesale Lumber & Millwork, 6 Cir., 1941, 123 F.2d 38.
. Florence Mfg. Co. v. J. C. Dowd & Co., 2 Cir., 1910, 178 F. 73.
. Standard Paint Co. v. Trinidad Asphalt Mfg. Co., 220 U.S. 446, 31 S.Ct. 456, 55 L.Ed. 536.
. Van Kannel Revolving Door Co. v. American Revolving Door Co., 7 Cir., 1914, 215 F. 582.
. William H. Lutton Co. v. Lord & Bumham Co., D.C.N.Y., 1927, 16 F.2d 490; affirmed 2 Cir., 19 F.2d 1023.
. Oakland Chemical Co. v. Bookman, 2 Cir., 1927, 22 F.2d 930.
. Florasynth Laboratories v. Goldberg, D.C.Ill.1949, 86 F.Supp. 624.
. W. G. Reardon Laboratories v. B & B Exterminators, D.C.Md.1933, 3 F.Supp. 467.
. L. P. Larson Jr., Co. v. Wm. Wrigley, Jr. Co., 7 Cir., 1919, 253 F. 914.
. Carthage Tobacco Works v. Barlow Moore Co., 6 Cir., 1925, 5 F.2d 469.
. Colgan v. Danheiser, 7 Cir., 1888, 35 F. 150.
. Wornova Mfg. Co. v. McCawley & Co., 2 Cir., 1926, 11 F.2d 465.
. Vogue Co. v. Vogue Hat Co., 6 Cir., 1925, 6 F.2d 875.
. Greene, Tweed & Co. v. Manufacturers’ Belt Hook Co., 7 Cir., 1906, 158 F. 640.
. B. W. Harris Mfg. Co. v. Werber Sportswear Co., 1950, 183 F.2d 105, 37 C.C.P.A., Patents, 1242.
. Franklin Knitting Mills v. Fashionit Sweater Mills, D.C.N.Y.1923, 297 F. 247; affirmed 2 Cir., 4 F.2d 1018.
. William R. Warner & Co. v. Eli Lilly & Co., 265 U.S. 526, 44 S.Ct. 615, 68 L.Ed. 1161.
. Richmond Remedies Co. v. Dr. Miles Medical Co., 8 Cir., 1927, 16 F.2d 598.
. Rumford Chemical Works v. Muth, 4 Cir., 1888, 35 F. 524, 1 L.R.A. 44.
. L. H. Harris Drug Co. v. Stucky, 3 Cir., 1891, 46 F. 624.
. Bickmore Gall Cure Co. v. Karns Mfg. Co., 3 Cir., 1903, 126 F. 573.
. Personal Products Corporation v. Allen Laboratories, 1944, 141 F.2d 702, 31 C.C.P.A., Patents, 889.
. Parmele Pharmacal Co. v. Weiner, D.C.N.Y.1925, 5 F.2d 750.
. Kellogg Co. v. National Biscuit Co., 305 U.S. 111, 59 S.Ct. 109, 83 L.Ed. 73.
. Kellogg Toasted Corn Flake Co. v. Quaker Oats Co., 6 Cir., 1916, 235 F. 657.
. Skinner Mfg. Co. v. Kellogg Sales Co., 8 Cir., 1944, 143 F.2d 895.
. Thomas J. Lipton, Inc. v. Lerman, D.C.D.C.1952, 107 F.Supp. 835.
. Folmer Graflex Corp. v. Graphic Photo Service, D.C.Mass.1942, 44 F.Supp. 429.
. Philad Co. v. Murray’s Beauty Salon, D.C.Ohio 1936, 14 F.Supp. 626.
. Rosenberg v. Shakeproof Lock Washer, Co., D.C.Del.1937, 20 F.Supp. 959.
. Marvel Co. v. Pearl, 2 Cir., 1904, 133 F. 160.
. Duplex Metals Co. v. Standard Underground Cable Co., D.C.Pa., 1914, 220 F. 989.
. Slaymaker Lock Co. v. Reese, D.C.Pa. 1933, 24 F.Supp. 69.
. Armstrong Paint & Varnish Works v. Nu Enamel Corporation, 305 U.S. 315, 59 S.Ct. 191, 83 L.Ed. 195.
. In Re Swan & Finch Co., 1919, 49 App.D.C. 94, 259 F. 990.
. In Re Charles R. Long Jr. Co., 1922, 51 App.D.C. 399, 280 F. 975.
. Mirrorlike Mfg. Co. v. Devoe & Reynolds Co., D.C.N.Y.1925, 3 F.2d 846.
. Griffin Mfg. Co. v. It Shoe Polish Co., 4 Cir., 1936, 80 F.2d 514.
. Barton v. Rex Oil Co., 3 Cir., 1925; 2 F.2d 402, 40 A.L.R. 424.
. McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. v. American Aviation Associates, 1941, 73 U.S.App.D.C. 131, 117 F.2d 293.
. Oxford Book Co. v. College Entrance Book Co., 2 Cir., 1938, 98 F.2d 688.
. In re Hopkins, 1907, 29 App.D.C. 118.
. A. J. Krank Mfg. Co. v. Pabst, 6 Cir., 1921, 277 F. 15.
. House of Westmore v. Denney, 3 Cir., 1945, 151 F.2d 261.
. Application of Reo Motor Car Co., 1927, 57 App.D.C. 9, 16 F.2d 349.
. Rushmore v. Manhattan Screw & Stamping Works, 2 Cir., 1908, 163 F. 939.
. Pennsylvania Rubber Co. v. Dreadnaught Tire & Rubber Co., D.C.Del.1915, 225 F. 138.
. The term is also used in chemistry to denote a hydrocarbon belonging to the olefin series.
. No one seems to contend that “dietene”' acquired a secondary meaning so we-are not concerned with that problem. Cf. Spang v. Watson, 1953, 92 U.S.App.D.C. 266, 205 F.2d 703.