Function or Purpose

Terms that identify the function or purpose of a

product or service may be merely descriptive under

15 U.S.C.

§1052(e)(1)

or generic.

See, e.g., In re Gould

Paper Corp.

, 834 F.2d 1017, 5 USPQ2d 1110 (Fed. Cir. 1987)

(SCREENWIPE generic for an anti-static cloth used for cleaning computer and

television screens);

In re Zuma Array Ltd.

, 2022 USPQ2d 736,

at *1-2, *15-17 (TTAB 2022) (SMART BEZEL merely descriptive of electronic sensor

modules for controlling and integrating home automation systems in which the

sensor modules were to be used on bezels);

In re Box Solutions

Corp.

, 79 USPQ2d 1953 (TTAB2006) (SOLUTIONS merely descriptive of the purpose of applicant’s

computer hardware – to resolve a problem – and must be disclaimed);

In re Hunter Fan

Co.

, 78 USPQ2d 1474 (TTAB2006) (ERGONOMIC merely descriptive of ceiling fans);

In re

Cent. Sprinkler Co.,

49 USPQ2d 1194 (TTAB 1998) (ATTIC generic

for sprinklers installed primarily in attics);

In re Reckitt & Colman, N.

Am. Inc.

, 18 USPQ2d 1389 (TTAB1991) (PERMA PRESS generic for soil and stain removers for use on

permanent press products);

In re Wallyball,

Inc

., 222 USPQ 87 (TTAB1984) (WALLYBALL descriptive of sports clothing and game equipment);

In re Nat’l Presto Indus., Inc.,

197 USPQ 188 (TTAB 1977)

(BURGER merely descriptive of cooking utensils);

In re Orleans Wines,

Ltd

., 196 USPQ 516 (TTAB1977) (BREADSPRED merely descriptive of jams and jellies).