The USPTO refused to register MASTER RANCHER,
finding a likelihood of confusion with the registered mark
RANCHMASTER, both for footwear. Applicant True
Value argued that the meaning and commercial impressions of
RANCHMASTER and MASTER RANCHER are distinct, making confusion
therefore unlikely, that "MASTER" is a house mark, has a
family of MASTER marks, and that its prior registration of MASTER
RANCHER for gloves should pave the way to registration. How do you
think this came out?
In re True Value Company, L.L.C., Serial No. 88335947
(October 2, 2020) [not precedential] (Opinion by Judge Melanye K.
Johnson).
The Board found the marks to be "highly similar." The
transposition of the words does not create and new
meaning.
