It's officially over.....
Important Message - "Soap Loaf" Trademark Issue
October 1, 2013
Dear Hilary,
Last week it came to our attention that a private handcrafted soap company had successfully trademarked the term "soap loaf".
This word mark was published for opposition by the USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) on February 5, 3013. It is registered to a company called Petunia Farms (Sole Proprietorship) and a Ms. JoAnn Netti. Ms. Netti has been enforcing her mark on various sites, such as, eBay and having handcrafted soapmakers and suppliers that use the term "soap loaf" removed for trademark violation.
The term "soap loaf" is a generic term that has been widely used in the handcrafted soap industry for decades and the trademark of this term creates an issue for the HSCG Members selling products using it. Both soapmaker (handcrafter) and supplier members of the HSCG sell products using "soap loaf", either soap or molds so this has far reaching effects.
Last night, the HSCG Board of Directors made a decision to file a "Petition to Cancel Registration" with the TTAB (Trademark Trial Appeal Board) on behalf of the membership and sent notice to Petunia Farms and Ms. Netti.
While we were in the process of compiling data and preparing our filing with the attorney we received notice that Ms. Netti had voluntarily canceled the registration of this trademark. It is no longer necessary for the HSCG to take legal action and those of you that were using the term "soap loaf" to sell can now resume doing so without the fear of repercussions.
We have a copy of the "Surrender of Registration for Cancellation" document and will provide it to any member that requests it. This document will assist you in communicating with sites like eBay that have removed your listings for the trademark violation.
To receive a copy in .pdf format simply email:
[email protected]
Thank you.
Leigh O'Donnell
HSCG Executive Director
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