Sears & Nichols Co. v. Brakeley
Sears & Nichols Co. v. Brakeley
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the Court:
The Sears & Nichols Company applied for the registration
Opposition was filed by Asher Brakeley, representing that he was engaged in packing and selling canned vegetables grown by himself, and that in July, 1897, he used the word “Evergreen” affixed as a mark to cans and packages of green peas. That the same mark has been continuously used since, and it is not- true that applicant has had exclusive use of said mark upon canned vegetables. That as he has established a valuable good will in the business of packing and selling peas under said mark and brand, he will be seriously damaged by the registration of said trademark by the applicant.
The testimony shows that Brakeley had commenced the packing and sale of canned peas, with said brand affixed, in July, 1897; that he had sold his goods with that brand in New Jersey and Pennsylvania; and that he had continued to use the same mark. Applicant’s testimony showed that it, and its predecessors from whom the mark had been acquired, had used the vrord on its canned goods since some time prior to the year 1888.
Registration was rightly denied as a technical trademark, because the word “Evergreen,” as used, is clearly descriptive. See Re Meyer Bors. Coffe & Spice Co. ante, 520; and the cases therein cited.
Nor is the mark entitled to registration under section 5 of the trademark act by virtue of actual and exclusive use of the mark for ten years prior to the adoption of the act, for the testimony shows that such use was not exclusive. Worster Brewing Corp. v. Rueter & Co. 30 App. D. C. 428-431.
The decision is right, and will be affirmed. The clerk will certify this decision to the Commissioner of Patents.
Affirmed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.