Rebecca Curtin, a law professor and parent, opposed UTH's trademark application for “RAPUNZEL” citing it as generic and descriptive. Initially allowed to proceed, her case was later dismissed when TTAB, referencing a recent Supreme Court decision, determined "mere consumers" lack standing under the Lanham Act. The Federal Circuit upheld this, asserting that to oppose a trademark, individuals must demonstrate that their interests fall within the Act's protected zone and that their alleged injuries are directly related to the trademark's registration.
Curtin's opposition was dismissed as she lacked standing, illustrating a shift towards stricter interpretations of who can oppose trademark registrations.
The TTAB's initial decision relied on permissive standards for standing but reversed its position following the Supreme Court's Lexmark decision.
The Federal Circuit reaffirmed that only individuals with interests directly protected by the Lanham Act can oppose trademark registrations.
This case underscores the need for opponents to demonstrate specific harm related to a trademark's registration to establish standing.
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