# TMEP § 1209.03(p): Function or Purpose

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1209.03(p)

## Section

- **Citation:** TMEP § 1209.03(p)
- **Heading:** Function or Purpose
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Agency guidance
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** USPTO TMEP / Chapter 1200 - Substantive Examination of Applications / TMEP § 1209.03(p)

## Text

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).

## Nearby sections

- [TMEP § 1201 Ownership of Mark](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.md)
- [TMEP § 1201.01 Claim of Ownership May Be Based on Use By Related Companies](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.01.md)
- [TMEP § 1201.02(a) Identifying the Applicant Properly](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.02(a).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.02(c) Correcting Errors in How the Applicant Is Identified](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.02(c).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.02(d) Operating Divisions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.02(d).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.02(e) Changes in Ownership After Application Is Filed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.02(e).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.03(a) No Explanation of Use of Mark by Related Companies or Applicant’s Control Over Use of Mark by Related Companies Required](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.03(a).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.03(b) Wholly Owned Related Companies](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.03(b).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.03(c) Common Stockholders, Directors, or Officers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.03(c).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.03(e) License and Franchise Situations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.03(e).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.04 Inquiry Regarding Parties Named on Specimens or Elsewhere in Record](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.04.md)
- [TMEP § 1201.05 Acceptable Claim of Ownership Based on Applicant’s Own Use](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.05.md)
- [TMEP § 1201.06(a) Applicant Is Merely Distributor or Importer](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.06(a).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.06(b) Goods Manufactured in a Country Other than Where Applicant Is Located](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.06(b).md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1209.03(p). Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.