Seattle Trademark Lawyer

Seattle-based Spam Arrest LLC sent out a press release today publicizing its dispute with Hormel Foods Corp. over Spam Arrest’s registration of SPAM ARREST in connection with “software designed to eliminate unsolicited commercial electronic mail.” Hormel seeks to cancel Spam Arrest’s registration in a case now pending with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. The TTAB will hear oral argument on February 23.

Spam Arrest claims it is the only company besides Hormel to obtain a federal registration for a mark containing the word SPAM. That’s true, though there are 33 applications for registration pending.

Spam Arrest states that it has spent almost $500k in the dispute.

Isn’t “spam” generic for unwanted commercial email? Spam Arrest thinks so — it disclaimed any trademark rights in that term. Obviously, Hormel begs to differ.

The TTAB’s last decision in the case — its March 30, 2005, order denying Spam Arrest’s motion for summary judgment — is available here.